To advance digital accessibility and computer assistive technology in Africa, inABLE hosted the second-annual Inclusive Africa Conference on September 30, 2021, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. East African Time (EAT). The forum featured a dynamic speaker faculty that will investigate global best practices for improving digital accessibility and inclusion.

Panel discussions about rebuilding better were included on the conference agenda to bring to light what educational institutions should consider post-COVID. A panel discussion was also held on closing the disability employment gap, specifically on how technology can increase job opportunities for Africans with disabilities. Furthermore, activities to foster mobile assistive technology innovations and African accessibility solutions, as well as what is happening across Africa regarding financial service accessibility, were discussed. The Kenya Banking Association’s Banking Industry Case Study: Promoting Financial Inclusion and Digital Accessibility findings were shared.

To recognize the development of assistive technology products and inclusive digital innovations that improve the lives of everyone in Africa, inABLE invited African innovators to submit their innovations and sign up for the 2021 Digital Accessibility Innovations Award. In 2020, the first-ever Digital Accessibility Innovations Awardee, Hudson Asiema, Co-Founder/CEO of Deaf ELimuPlus Limited, won $10,000.

The 2021 conference sponsors included Google, Facebook, and Safaricom PLC. The virtual conference was made accessible through live captions, sign language, and translation in English and French. Additionally, in-person “watch” party events took place all over Africa in partnership with disability advocacy organizations.

At the inaugural Inclusive Africa Conference in 2020, thousands of delegates from across Africa and the globe logged in to see The First Lady of Kenya, H.E. Mrs. Margaret Kenyatta, presented the opening keynote.   Delegates from 43 countries viewed the live stream, including the following African countries: Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.