Sub-Saharan Africa still imports over 90% of assistive tech despite policy gains

For millions of Africans living with disabilities, the promise of a more coordinated assistive technology ecosystem is yet to be realized. Despite policy gains, the continent still imports over 90% of its assistive technology products, leaving vulnerable populations in the lurch. This is the stark reality according to a new report by Stellenbosch University, commissioned by the Mastercard Foundation. The report's findings are a stark reminder that Africa's progress on assistive technology is more aspirational than real.

The report highlights that at least 38 countries have adopted national strategies aligned with the World Health Organisation and United Nations frameworks since 2016. However, most of these policies remain aspirational because they lack adequate financing and monitoring systems to support implementation. This policy-implementation gap is a common theme across the continent, with many countries struggling to translate policy into action. The result is a situation where Africa is policy-rich but implementation-poor.

The report finds that East and Southern Africa have built more resilient assistive technology ecosystems by strengthening links between governments, universities, and civil society. However, West and Central Africa remain more reliant on donors and international partners, with weaker institutional integration limiting the development of sustainable systems. This donor dependence is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it provides much-needed funding for assistive technology initiatives. On the other hand, it creates uncertainty and vulnerability for countries that are heavily reliant on external support.

The report identifies weak financing as one of the biggest obstacles to building self-sustaining assistive technology systems. Government-led programmes account for less than 15% of assistive technology distributed across the continent, and most countries lack dedicated budget lines or ring-fenced funding for assistive technology. This is a critical issue, given the projected 400 million people who will require assistive products by 2050, driven by the continent's youthful population and rising rates of chronic disease and injury.

The report's finding that more than 90% of assistive technology products used in sub-Saharan Africa are imported has far-reaching implications. It exposes countries to supply chain disruptions and shifts in donor priorities, making it difficult for them to meet the growing demand for assistive technology. This import dependence also extends to local manufacturers, with only four of the 42 identified manufacturers and innovators receiving stable government subsidies. The Ethiopian Prosthetic and Orthotics Centre is one such example, receiving stable government subsidies.

The report's findings are a wake-up call for African governments, policymakers, and stakeholders. It is imperative that they prioritize domestic financing and coordination to build self-sustaining assistive technology systems. This will require a fundamental shift in the way governments approach assistive technology, moving from a donor-dependent model to a more sustainable and locally driven approach. The stakes are high, with millions of Africans living with disabilities relying on a system that is woefully unprepared to meet their needs.

The future of assistive technology in Africa hangs in the balance. Will the continent's governments and stakeholders rise to the challenge, or will millions of people continue to struggle with limited access to the technology they need?