This session explores the structural, legal, socio-economic, and technological determinants shaping accessibility and digital inclusion across the African continent. Building on the findings of the 2025 Inclusive Africa Conference and the “Transposing EU Accessibility Standards to Africa” framework, it examines how regional and international accessibility standards—particularly EU harmonized standards (EN 301 549, EN 17161, EN 17210) and related QMS/PDCA methodologies—can be adapted to African contexts through African institutions, including ARSO, AFSEC, and national standards bodies.
Across Africa, persons with disabilities continue to face persistent barriers in physical environments, ICT access, transportation, information systems, assistive technology availability, and affordability. WHO data and conference evidence show that AT coverage in sub-Saharan Africa remains critically low, reproducing structural exclusion even where legal frameworks exist. As emphasized in stakeholder discussions, gaps arise less from a lack of legislation and more from limited enforcement mandates, fragmented institutional responsibilities, low grassroots awareness, and the absence of coordinated, data-driven implementation mechanisms. These challenges underscore the need for harmonized standards, clearer regulatory ownership, and continent-specific adaptation of global norms.
At the same time, several countries—most prominently Kenya—are pioneering promising pathways. Kenya’s adoption of EN 301 549–aligned KS 2952, its longstanding use of KS ISO 21542, and innovative national bodies such as inABLE, KEBS, and ICTA illustrate how localized approaches can coexist with international best practice. Initiatives like the Inclusive Africa Summit, Africa’s first AT accelerator (Innovate Now), and regional engagement through ARSO demonstrate growing momentum toward African-led standardization and capacity development. These examples show how structured QMS methodologies, SMART objectives, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and recurring PDCA cycles can support sustainable, scalable accessibility ecosystems.
This Scientific and Technical Session (STS) aims to analyse these developments comparatively—across countries, regions, and standards ecosystems—and to assess feasibility, opportunities, and long-term institutional pathways for strengthening accessible ICT and built environments in Africa and beyond. The focus lies on translating international accessibility principles into context-sensitive, enforceable, and economically viable African solutions.
The STS invites contributions in the following areas:
- Scientific research and empirical studies examining accessibility gaps, institutional readiness, socio-economic barriers, and user experiences across African regions
- Comparative analyses of regional, national, and global frameworks, including CRPD Article 9, the African Disability Protocol, and cross-continental standardization methodologies
- Conceptual papers and models outlining pathways for adapting EU standards (especially EN 301 549, EN 17161, EN 17210) within African institutional, infrastructural, and demographic contexts
- Technical prototypes, workflows, and implementation toolkits that translate accessibility requirements into practical methodologies, including QMS/PDCA-driven compliance mechanisms
- Legal, administrative, and economic analyses examining enforcement structures, procurement integration, and cost–benefit considerations for governments and SMEs
- Studies on smart environments, AI-based accessibility innovations, and mobile-first accessibility approaches that respond to Africa’s technological realities
- Work addressing capacity building, competencies matrices, Training-of-Trainer (ToT) systems, and multi-city sensitization strategies, reflecting documented gaps in technical skills and institutional capabilities
- Frameworks for data collection, monitoring, evaluation, and maturity assessment, drawing on the report’s emphasis on documentation, continuous improvement, and evidence generation
- Cross-continental comparisons, identifying transferable lessons, challenges of alignment, and models for EU–AU cooperation, ARSO-led harmonization, and international technical assistance
The overarching aim is to build a shared scientific and practical foundation for sustainable accessibility advancement in Africa—one rooted in African ownership, global cooperation, and evidence-based implementation. The session encourages interdisciplinary dialogue that bridges policy, technical standards, civil society, innovation ecosystems, and regulatory practice, contributing to a future where accessible ICT and inclusive environments are achievable across all African contexts.
This session is organized by Hilfsgemeinschaft der Blinden und Sehschwachen
Chair
Klaus Höckner, Hilfsgemeinschaft der Blinden und Sehschwachen Österreichs