Safaricom Ethiopia opens accessibility and disability inclusion conference
Date: 2026-04-25
By: Kanto Kai Okanta
Safaricom
Ethiopia Telecommunications PLC has opened its Accessibility and Disability
Inclusion Conference with a call for stronger commitment to inclusive digital
design and participation in Ethiopia’s expanding digital economy.
The
conference was officially opened by CEO Wim Vanhelleputte, who emphasized that
inclusion must go beyond designing for persons with disabilities and instead
focus on designing with them. He referenced the principle “Nothing About Us
Without Us,” underscoring the importance of involving people with lived
experience in shaping digital products and services.
He
noted that as Ethiopia’s digital landscape continues to grow, accessibility
should be embedded from the outset of development processes rather than being
treated as an afterthought. According to him, early integration of
accessibility standards is essential to ensuring equal participation in the
digital economy.
Vanhelleputte
also acknowledged the support of the Ethiopian government, highlighting the
presence of representatives from key ministries at the conference as a sign of
strong institutional commitment to advancing disability inclusion.
The
conference brings together stakeholders from government, industry and advocacy
groups to discuss practical approaches to improving accessibility and
strengthening inclusive digital transformation across the country.
