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

The lack of local production and innovation in the assistive technology sector is a complex issue, with multiple factors contributing to the problem. One of the main challenges is the lack of investment in research and development, which is necessary to create new and innovative devices. Additionally, the lack of skilled workers and limited access to funding and resources are also major barriers to local production. To overcome these challenges, governments and organizations must work together to create an enabling environment that supports the growth of the assistive technology sector. This includes providing funding and resources to local manufacturers, as well as investing in education and training programs to develop the skills of workers.

The economic benefits of local production and innovation in the assistive technology sector are significant. According to the World Health Organisation, the global market for assistive technology is projected to reach $8 billion by 2025, with the African market expected to be a significant contributor to this growth. However, the current reliance on imported devices means that much of this revenue is being lost to foreign companies. By investing in local production and innovation, countries can capture a share of this revenue and create jobs and stimulate economic growth. The key metrics to watch include:
* $8 billion: the projected size of the global assistive technology market by 2025
* 90%: the percentage of assistive technology devices that are currently imported into Sub-Saharan Africa
* 38: the number of countries that have adopted national strategies aligned with the World Health Organisation and United Nations frameworks

The issue of assistive technology is part of a broader conversation about disability rights and inclusion. As noted by the United Nations, "the lack of access to assistive technology is a major barrier to the realization of the rights of people with disabilities." To address this issue, governments and organizations must work together to create an enabling environment that supports the growth of the assistive technology sector. This includes investing in education and awareness-raising programs to promote the importance of assistive technology, as well as working to remove the social and cultural barriers that prevent people with disabilities from accessing devices.
> The lack of access to assistive technology is a major barrier to the realization of the rights of people with disabilities, and it is essential that governments and organizations work together to address this issue.

The future of assistive technology in Sub-Saharan Africa looks promising, with many opportunities for growth and innovation. However, to realize this potential, governments and organizations must work together to create an enabling environment that supports the growth of the assistive technology sector. This includes investing in research and development, as well as providing funding and resources to local manufacturers. Additionally, it is essential to promote education and awareness-raising programs to promote the importance of assistive technology, and to work to remove the social and cultural barriers that prevent people with disabilities from accessing devices.

The reliance on imported assistive technology is a major concern for Sub-Saharan Africa, and it is essential that governments and organizations work together to support local production and innovation. By investing in research and development, and providing funding and resources to local manufacturers, countries can create jobs and stimulate economic growth, while also increasing access to affordable and accessible devices for people with disabilities. The key to success lies in creating an enabling environment that supports the growth of the assistive technology sector, and in promoting education and awareness-raising programs to promote the importance of assistive technology.