More than 300 delegates attending physically and over 4,000 virtual participants converged at the JW Marriott Hotel in Nairobi for the Inclusive Africa Conference 2026, a four-day gathering that placed accessibility, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital inclusion at the center of Africa’s development agenda.

Organized by InAble Foundation, the conference, themed “Accelerating Digital Accessibility and AI Solutions to Africa’s Future,” brought together policymakers, technology experts, disability advocates, innovators, entrepreneurs, students, and persons with disabilities from across the continent.

Opening the conference, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and Digital Economy, Hon William Kabogo, emphasized the need to make accessibility a priority in Africa’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Participants repeatedly stressed that digital accessibility is not a privilege but a fundamental human right that must be embedded in technology, education, banking, communication systems, and public services.

In her welcome address, Irene Mbari , Executive Director of Inable Foundation, underscored the urgency of building inclusive digital systems.

“African digital infrastructure is being built right now, and we are here to ensure that it is built for everyone,” she said.

The conference explored how emerging technologies, particularly AI, can become powerful tools for inclusion when designed with accessibility in mind. Discussions focused on ensuring that persons with disabilities are not left behind as Africa embraces digital transformation.

One of the key voices at the event was Rama Gheerawo, founder of Instill and a global advocate for inclusive design. He argued that Africa has a unique opportunity to leapfrog older technological models by building accessibility into systems from the start.

According to him, voice technology and conversational interfaces present significant opportunities for persons with disabilities. Rather than simply issuing commands to devices, users increasingly want technology that interacts in a more natural and conversational manner.

“Africa has the chance to build something new from scratch, without inheriting the limitations of legacy systems,” he noted.

Beyond technology, Gheerawo highlighted the importance of “creative leadership,” a model built around empathy, clarity, and creativity. He argued that leadership should not be reserved for a privileged few but should be accessible to everyone, including persons with disabilities, women, and other marginalized groups.

Digital accessibility remained a recurring theme throughout the conference. Experts emphasized the need for common accessibility standards across Africa and called for stronger collaboration among governments, standards organizations, technology companies, and disability rights groups.

Participants heard that mobile devices remain one of the most important tools for inclusion, particularly in education. Accessible technologies such as screen readers, digital textbooks, and adaptive learning platforms are helping students with disabilities gain greater independence in their studies.

The role of assistive technology also took center stage during discussions marking World Assistive Technology Day. Delegates examined how African startups are developing innovative solutions to address barriers faced by persons with disabilities in education, employment, communication, and daily living.

The launch of the Assistive Technology Africa Scoping Report further highlighted growing efforts to map opportunities and challenges in the sector and identify pathways for scaling innovation across the continent.

For many attendees, the conference served as a platform for learning and exchanging ideas across borders.

Among them was Asumbali, a South Sudanese student studying international relations in Kenya. She said the event provided valuable insights into assistive devices, accessible systems, and the role of AI in improving the lives of persons with disabilities.

“The world is becoming increasingly digital, and young people with disabilities must adapt and embrace these technologies,” she said.

She also stressed the importance of knowledge-sharing among African countries, noting that lessons learned in one nation could help accelerate progress elsewhere.

Reflecting on the situation in South Sudan, she pointed to persistent challenges including low awareness of disability rights, limited educational opportunities, and stigma that still leads some families to keep children with disabilities out of school.

The conference also addressed the often-overlooked challenges faced by refugees with disabilities. Participants highlighted barriers such as inaccessible schools, inadequate assistive devices, and limited access to sign language interpretation and learning materials in refugee settlements.

Financial inclusion emerged as another major concern during discussions on accessible banking and digital services. Delegates heard firsthand accounts from blind users who continue to face difficulties using banking applications and automated teller machines (ATMs).

One participant recounted losing money after relying on a stranger for assistance at an ATM because the interface was not fully accessible.

Experts acknowledged that while some progress has been made, many banking applications remain inaccessible to persons with visual impairments, creating risks to privacy, independence, and financial security.

Industry representatives admitted that accessibility challenges persist and called for increased investment in inclusive financial technologies. Discussions explored how AI and accessibility can work together to close Africa’s digital financial gap.

The final day of the conference focused on the future of accessible innovation. Sessions examined accessibility-driven user experience research, AI-powered solutions, mobile accessibility, and the business case for inclusive technology.

A showcase by the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship highlighted emerging innovations aimed at expanding educational opportunities for persons with disabilities through technology.

As the conference drew to a close, participants emphasized that one of its greatest achievements was fostering collaboration and expanding professional networks across Africa.

For Jacinta Huambua, a visually impaired special needs educator, podcaster, singer, and songwriter, the event opened new opportunities for advocacy and partnership.

“I feel like it unlocks doors that individuals could never open for themselves,” she said, adding that the conference had enabled her to connect with professionals, development partners, and fellow advocates from across the continent.

While praising the organizers, she called for even greater participation in future editions to ensure that no one is left behind.

As delegates exchanged contacts and prepared to return to their home countries, a common message emerged from the four-day gathering: Africa’s digital future must be accessible, inclusive, and designed for everyone. From AI and assistive technology to education and financial services, participants agreed that meaningful inclusion is not only a social imperative but also a prerequisite for sustainable development across the continent.

# Violet Yimbo , A member of African Journalists with Disabilities sent this piece from Nairobi Kenya