The African continent, marked by its burgeoning youth population and rich resources, stands as a potential powerhouse in global development. However, amidst this potential lies persistent challenges, particularly in addressing the needs of vulnerable demographics, including persons with disabilities. This concept note explores the current landscape of accessibility challenges in Africa, focusing on the opportunities and initiatives reshaping the continent's approach to accessible ICT.

Highlighting statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), which indicate a disproportionate lack of access to Assistive Technology (AT) in the global south, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, this note underscores the urgent need for inclusive measures. It sheds light on the critical role of AT in achieving sustainable development goals, stressing the jeopardy posed by the exclusion of persons with disabilities from these advancements.

Amidst these challenges, Africa is witnessing promising initiatives that signal a shift towards inclusivity. Notably, Kenya emerges as a leader in this domain, spearheading innovative reforms and initiatives to bridge the disability inclusion gap. The country's pioneering role in co-hosting the global disability Summit and subsequently driving the global disability charter stands as a testament to its commitment. Additionally, the establishment of Innovate Now, Africa's foremost Assistive Technology Accelerator, underscores Kenya's proactive approach in fostering market-based solutions for increased accessibility.

Furthermore, Kenya's strides in developing and adopting ICT Accessibility Standards showcase its dedication to ensuring equal access. The country's hosting of the Inclusive Africa Summit, led by InABLE, serves as a pivotal platform catalyzing discussions on digital accessibility and AT innovations across the continent.

This STS aims at dive deeper into these initiatives, analyzing their impact, challenges, and prospects. By spotlighting Africa's journey towards inclusive ICT, it seeks to encourage dialogue and collaboration for a more accessible and equitable future. This should be discussed and analysed in comparison with other approaches at a corss-country and -continental level.

Therefore STSs calls for

• scientific research
• studies providing evidence and data on the state of the
• concept papers and studies identifying potential solutions and pathway
• prototypes, workflows
• legal, administrative and economic cocepts and measures

discussing how to improve Accessibility in Africa and at global level.

Acknowledgement: This session is organised in the frame of the AccessibleEU project, co-funded by the European Commission.

Chairs

• 
  Bernard Chiira, Innovate Now
• 
  Klaus Höckner, Hilfsgemeinschaft der Blinden und Sehschwachen Österreichs