Background

inABLE.org is a nonprofit organization based in Nairobi, Kenya, and Washington, DC, with a mission to empower Persons With Disabilities through technology.

Role Context

The Research Fellow will contribute to this objective by mapping Africa’s AT ecosystem to identify key actors, gaps, and opportunities; quantifying unmet financing needs and market potential for AT solutions; exploring pathways for adapting successful global AT models to Africa’s unique context; and developing practical training materials to support investors in deploying capital effectively within the AT space.

Scope of Work

Research & Data Collection

• Conduct desk research on Africa’s AT landscape: key startups, NGOs, governments, and investors.
• Identify and interview AT stakeholders (founders, investors, policymakers, users).
• Analyze global AT models (e.g., WHO AT2030, UK AT Fund) for applicability in Africa.

Market & Financing Analysis

• Quantify unmet AT financing needs by region, sector, and user group.
• Assess market potential for AT solutions in Africa, including revenue models and scalability.
• Identify barriers to adoption and investment in AT across the continent.

Pathway Development

• Propose actionable strategies to translate global AT success models to Africa (e.g., public-private partnerships, microfinance, impact investing).
• Develop case studies of successful AT interventions in Africa and other regions.

Investor Training & Advocacy

• Co-create with Jaza Rift training modules for workshops on:
  • The importance of AT in achieving SDGs.
  • How to evaluate AT startups and projects.
  • Risk mitigation and blended finance models for AT investment.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the 3-month fellowship, the Research Fellow will deliver:

• A comprehensive report on Africa’s AT landscape, including:
  • A database of key AT stakeholders.
  • Analysis of financing gaps and market potential.
  • Recommendations for investors and policymakers.
• A toolkit or training materials for investors on deploying capital into AT.
• A presentation summarizing findings and pathways for both organizations.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Business, Engineering, Public health or related fields.
• 1+ years in research, consulting, or venture capital (ideally in health, tech, or impact investing).
• Strong personal commitment to Assistive Technologies and advancing inclusion within the disability space.

• Conduct desk research on Africa’s AT landscape: key startups, NGOs, governments, and investors.
• Identify and interview AT stakeholders (founders, investors, policymakers, users).
• Analyze global AT models (e.g., WHO AT2030, UK AT Fund) for applicability in Africa.
• Quantify unmet AT financing needs by region, sector, and user group.
• Assess market potential for AT solutions in Africa, including revenue models and scalability.
• Identify barriers to adoption and investment in AT across the continent.
• Propose actionable strategies to translate global AT success models to Africa (e.g., public-private partnerships, microfinance, impact investing).
• Develop case studies of successful AT interventions in Africa and other regions.
• Co-create with Jaza Rift training modules for workshops on: The importance of AT in achieving SDGs. How to evaluate AT startups and projects. Risk mitigation and blended finance models for AT investment.

• Research
• Data Collection
• Market Analysis
• Financial Analysis
• Stakeholder Interviewing
• Report Writing
• Training Material Development
• Strong personal commitment to Assistive Technologies and advancing inclusion within the disability space.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Business, Engineering, Public health or related fields.
• 1+ years in research, consulting, or venture capital (ideally in health, tech, or impact investing).
• Strong personal commitment to Assistive Technologies and advancing inclusion within the disability space.