Inclusive AI Innovations in Africa 2026: Apply for Up to USD Equivalent of KES 5 Million to Scale Disability Inclusion Solutions Across Africa

The Hub for Artificial Intelligence and Disability Inclusion (HAIDI) Innovation Track has officially launched its Call for Applications for the Inclusive AI Innovations in Africa Programme 2026, offering catalytic funding and long-term support to innovators developing responsible AI solutions that improve the lives of persons with disabilities across Africa.

Announced during the Global Data Festival 2026, this initiative is designed to identify and support high-potential post-MVP ventures that are already building practical AI-driven solutions capable of creating measurable social impact across the continent.

Selected ventures will receive an intensive 18-month support package that combines funding, technical guidance, community-based user testing, and access to strategic partnerships to help scale inclusive technologies responsibly and sustainably.

Applications close on 17 July 2026.

About the HAIDI Innovation Track

The Hub for Artificial Intelligence and Disability Inclusion (HAIDI) Innovation Track is focused on advancing disability inclusion through the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence.

Across Africa, millions of persons with disabilities continue to experience barriers when accessing education, employment, healthcare, caregiving support, digital services, and critical information systems. Many existing technologies are not designed with accessibility or inclusion in mind, limiting opportunities and participation.

Through this programme, HAIDI aims to support innovators who are creating AI-powered solutions that address these challenges while ensuring that disability communities are actively involved in the design, testing, and improvement of these technologies.

The programme prioritizes innovations that are not only technologically strong but also socially impactful, user-centered, and scalable across diverse African contexts.

What Selected Ventures Will Receive

The programme provides far more than just financial support. Selected applicants will gain access to a comprehensive ecosystem designed to help them refine and scale their innovations effectively.

1. Grants of Up to KES 5,000,000

Selected ventures will receive catalytic grants of up to KES 5 million (or USD equivalent) to support the development, testing, and scaling of their AI solutions.

The funding can help ventures:

• Improve product development
• Expand accessibility features
• Strengthen technical infrastructure
• Conduct pilot implementations
• Scale operations across new communities
• Enhance research and validation efforts

2. Hands-On Technical and Product Support

Participants will receive direct technical guidance and product support throughout the 18-month programme.

This includes:

• Product refinement support
• Technical mentorship
• AI development guidance
• Responsible AI implementation support
• Scaling and operational advice
• Product usability improvement strategies

The programme aims to help ventures strengthen both the technical quality and real-world effectiveness of their solutions.

3. User Testing With Disability Communities Across Africa

One of the most important elements of the programme is direct engagement with disability communities.

Selected innovators will have opportunities to:

• Test their products with real users
• Gather feedback from persons with disabilities
• Improve accessibility and usability
• Validate impact in real-world settings
• Ensure products are culturally and contextually relevant

This user-centered approach helps ensure that AI solutions are developed responsibly and inclusively rather than in isolation.

4. Access to Partnerships and Future Funding Opportunities

Participants will also gain exposure to a broader ecosystem of partners, experts, and funding networks.

Benefits include:

• Strategic partnerships
• Networking opportunities
• Visibility within the AI and innovation ecosystem
• Connections with funders and investors
• Opportunities for future collaborations
• Access to expert communities and advisors

This support can help ventures continue growing beyond the duration of the programme.

Focus Areas for Innovation

The HAIDI Innovation Track is looking for AI-driven solutions that address challenges affecting persons with disabilities across Africa.

Key areas of interest include:

• Education
• Employment
• Mental health
• Caregiving
• Assistive technology
• Accessibility tools
• Inclusive communication systems
• Disability-focused digital services
• Community empowerment solutions

Innovations from related sectors that contribute to disability inclusion are also encouraged to apply.

Who Can Apply?

The programme welcomes applications from a wide range of innovators and organizations working on inclusive AI technologies.

Eligible applicants include:

• AI startups and SMEs
• Individual innovators
• Researchers
• Research institutions
• Universities
• Multi-stakeholder consortia
• Post-MVP ventures with existing AI solutions

Applicants should already have a functional solution or product that demonstrates strong potential for scaling and impact.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Artificial intelligence has the potential to significantly improve accessibility, independence, and inclusion for persons with disabilities. However, many AI systems globally are still developed without sufficient representation or accessibility considerations.

The HAIDI Innovation Track aims to change that by supporting African innovators who are building inclusive technologies with disability communities at the center of the process.

This initiative represents a major opportunity for innovators who want to:

• Build socially impactful AI solutions
• Scale accessibility-focused technologies
• Collaborate with disability communities
• Gain funding and technical support
• Expand across African markets
• Strengthen responsible AI practices

By investing in inclusive innovation, the programme seeks to help create a more accessible and equitable digital future across Africa.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the Inclusive AI Innovations in Africa Programme 2026 is:

17 July 2026

Interested applicants are encouraged to prepare and submit their applications before the deadline.

About the Organizations Behind the Initiative

The AI for Development (AI4D) initiative supports responsible AI research and innovation across Africa.

The initiative is funded by:

• FCDO
• IDRC
• Sida
• Community Jameel

The programme is supported by the Global Center on AI Governance (GCG).

Final Thoughts

The Inclusive AI Innovations in Africa Programme 2026 is one of the most important opportunities currently available for innovators working at the intersection of artificial intelligence, accessibility, and social impact in Africa.

With substantial grant funding, long-term technical support, community-based testing, and strategic partnerships, the programme provides a powerful platform for scaling inclusive AI solutions that can improve the lives of persons with disabilities across the continent.

Innovators building impactful and responsible AI technologies are strongly encouraged to apply before the 17 July 2026 deadline.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can apply through the official application portal HERE.

Click HERE for more information about the Inclusive AI Innovations in Africa 2026.

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