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Dakar, Senegal is preparing to host one of the most significant gatherings for disability inclusion and rehabilitation technology as AT EXPO AFRICA 2027 launches alongside Expo 2027 Dakar.
Scheduled for 3–5 June 2027, the event aligns with the World Day for Assistive Technology (4 June) and is positioned as the first international dialogue dedicated to innovation, production, and access to assistive technology in Africa
A Landmark Platform for Inclusion
According to event materials, AT EXPO AFRICA 2027 is expected to bring together:
- 1,000 stakeholders
- Participants from over 25 African and international countries
- Decision-makers, manufacturers, buyers, assistive technology users, and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs)
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Hosted in Dakar, the programme will feature:
- Exhibition & trade fair
- Symposiums
- Practical workshops
- Policy dialogues
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Strong Institutional Backing
AT EXPO AFRICA 2027 benefits from a robust institutional foundation:
- Sponsored by the Government of Senegal
- Led by OADCPH (African Organization for the Development of Centres for Persons with Disabilities)
- In partnership with ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology
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This backing signals high-level recognition of the urgent need to improve access to assistive products across the continent.
Why This Matters for Africa
The organisers highlight a critical reality:
Access to assistive technology is a right and a key driver of health, education, employment, and independence — yet the majority of Africans who need assistive products still lack access.
Key challenges include:
- Limited availability of assistive products
- Poor adaptation to African environments
- Affordability barriers
- Fragmented procurement and distribution systems
Triple Strategic Objective
AT EXPO AFRICA 2027 is built around three measurable goals:
Catalyse the Market
Creating a unique meeting place for:
- Manufacturers
- Buyers
- Policymakers
- AT users
- OPDs
…to accelerate the distribution of relevant products
Influence Policy
Advocating for:
- Increased investment
- Better funding frameworks
- National AT strategies
- Stronger disability inclusion policies
Promote Local Innovation
Encouraging:
- African design and manufacturing
- Context-appropriate technologies
- Solutions adapted to local needs and realities
For professionals in orthotics, prosthetics, and rehabilitation, AT EXPO AFRICA 2027 represents:
✅ A gateway to emerging African markets
✅ Opportunities for technology transfer
✅ Collaboration with policymakers and NGOs
✅ Visibility for African-led innovation
✅ Dialogue on sustainable production and supply chains
As Africa continues to address rising needs related to trauma, diabetes, congenital conditions, and conflict-related injuries, assistive technology will play a central role in healthcare transformation.
Looking Ahead
By launching within the global spotlight of Expo 2027 Dakar, AT EXPO AFRICA 2027 is poised to become a historic turning point for assistive technology access and disability inclusion in Africa.
For manufacturers, clinicians, investors, NGOs, and policymakers, Dakar 2027 may well define the next decade of:
- Assistive technology development
- Rehabilitation innovation
- Inclusive healthcare policy
