Africa is writing a bold new chapter in its history.
The African Organization for Standardization (ARSO) has just released the continent’s first-ever ICT accessibility standard — a groundbreaking move that will empower more than 80 million people with disabilities across Africa to access technology on equal terms.
This historic progress builds on the African Disability Protocol, which entered into force in May 2024 with 15 AU member states already ratifying it. That legal foundation has now paved the way for real digital rights.
The announcement came at the Zero Project Conference 2026, where African accessibility organization inABLE revealed its partnership with ARSO to make this vision real.
The new standard will cover four essential service areas: Financial services, Healthcare, Education, Transportation
The first stakeholder consultation is scheduled for June 3–5, 2026 at the Inclusive Africa Conference in Nairobi.
We used to think accessible ICT standards were the responsibility of wealthy nations alone. Africa is proving that’s simply not true.
Let’s all send our support and cheers to our friends on the African continent!!!