Malawi marked World Assistive Technology Day on 4 June 2026, joining countries around the world under the #UnlockTheEveryday campaign. Disability policy expert Dr George Kayange spoke to the Weekend Nation about what the day means and what still needs to change. His message was clear. Donated devices help, but without funding for repairs, training and local skills, many of those devices simply stop working.
On 11 June 2026, THISABILITY Newspaper and Disabled People South Africa (DPSA) hosted a Stakeholder Breakfast Meeting at The Bannister Hotel in Johannesburg. The event marked World Assistive Technology Day under the Unlock the Everyday campaign. Twenty-nine guests heard from clinicians, a device supplier and four speakers who use assistive technology every day. Their stories showed what access to the right device can mean for independence and dignity.
On 4 June 2026, the Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) held a national dialogue in Maseru for World Assistive Technology Day. Government officials, development partners and disability groups met to discuss local innovation and lasting access to assistive technology. They reviewed real progress, including a new national policy and low-cost devices made from recycled materials. Leaders also agreed to build local skills, so Lesotho can make more of its own assistive devices in future.
On 4 June 2026, the Zambia Federation of Disability Organisations (ZAFOD) and YADIZ marked World Assistive Technology Day with a high-level stakeholder breakfast in Lusaka. Government officials, service providers, researchers, media and persons with disabilities gathered to discuss barriers to assistive technology in Zambia. The meeting raised concerns over cost and access, and produced clear calls for more investment, better policies and stronger support systems.
On 4 June 2026, the University of Botswana Stadium and Game City Mall in Gaborone hosted Botswana’s commemoration of World Assistive Technology Day. The Botswana Federation of the Disabled and the University of Botswana brought sport, exhibitions and public outreach together under one theme, Unlock the Everyday. Athletes, students and members of the public shared the day, turning a message about access into something the whole city could see and feel.
On 4 June 2026, the Federation of Disability Organisations in Malawi (FEDOMA) and the University of Malawi’s Disability Rights Clinic held a symposium for World Assistive Technology Day. Held in the Law Boardroom with support from SAFOD, the event brought together government officials, disability advocates and persons with disabilities. A central presentation examined the legal and policy gaps holding back access to assistive technology in Malawi, and set out clear steps for closing them.
On 26 June 2025, SAFOD held a webinar on bridging the innovation, investment and inclusion gap in assistive technology. Speakers included SAFOD leaders, a Loughborough University researcher, a disability policy expert, an ATscale specialist and an advocate from Lesotho. Together, they set out a clear case for closing the gap between who needs assistive technology and who can access it.
