Kenya’s AT4D Unveils $500,000 Fund to Catalyze Africa’s Assistive Tech Innovation

Precious Olowookere

Mar 13, 2026 • 1 min read

Kenya’s Assistive Technologies for Disability Trust (AT4D) has launched a landmark $500,000 fund to support early-stage assistive technology startups across Africa. The initiative aims to bridge the continent’s massive accessibility gap, where nearly 200 million people require assistive products but only one in ten can access them.

A Kenya-based nonprofit AT4D, is now focusing its efforts on advancing inclusion through technology, unveiled the Momentous Pilot Fund in March 2026. The $500,000 fund is Africa’s first dedicated early stage investment vehicle for assistive technology (AT) startups.

This fund is primarily for business owners who are developing digital solutions that will enhance mobility, communication, independent living, education, and digital accessibility for those with disabilities.

This innovations aligns with Africa’s challenges faced with constant lack of access to assistive technologies. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 200 million people in Africa are in need of at least one assistive product, whereby only 10% have access to them.

Speaking at the funding session, AT4D CEO and creator Bernard Chiira confirmed that the initial-stage assistive technology developers usually find it quite challenging to secure funding since disability innovation is generally seen as a humanitarian service and not a scalable business with potential.

He further stated that, the Momentous Pilot Fund seeks to show that assistive technology may provide both long-term benefits and social effect.

The fund will try a new investment approach centered on disability innovation in addition to helping individual entrepreneurs. Also, the fund's future growth will be influenced by the pilot program's insights, which will further contribute to strengthening Africa's assistive technology development ecosystem.

About AT4D

A non-profit organization with headquarters in Kenya, the Assistive Technologies for Disability Trust (AT4D) is dedicated to building the African assistive technology innovation ecosystem. Bernard Chiira founded the organization in 2023 with the goal of assisting organizations, entrepreneurs, and innovators creating solutions that increase the freedom and accessibility of individuals with disabilities throughout the continent.

AT4D runs initiatives that support entrepreneurs in the assistive technology industry with funding, training, mentorship, and ecosystem-building support. Its programs are intended to assist innovators in developing and implementing innovations that tackle issues with communication, mobility, inclusive schooling, digital convenience, and living independently.

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