According to the World Health Organization, 1.3 billion people, or 16% of the global population, live with a significant disability.
In Africa alone, more than 80 million people live with disabilities. These individuals often face barriers in daily life, from accessing education and employment to navigating public spaces, perpetuating cycles of exclusion.
Yet history offers us powerful examples of what can be achieved when barriers are dismantled. Imagine if Stephen Hawking’s groundbreaking theories had been silenced, or if the music of Ludwig van Beethoven, Stevie Wonder, and Andrea Bocelli had never reached the world.
The recent incredible achievements at the 2024 Paris Paralympics as evidence of the power of unlocking possibilities for people with disabilities.
As we observe International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, let’s reflect on the talent, innovation, and potential we lose when societies fail to champion the rights of persons with disabilities. True inclusivity isn’t just a moral imperative – it is a catalyst for improving socioeconomic development.
At Vodacom, we are committed to building a future where technology levels the playing field.
Earlier this year, led by our colleagues who live with disabilities, we hosted our inaugural Disability and Accessibility Conference, convening global thought leaders, policymakers, and business pioneers to explore how we can collectively bridge the digital divide for persons with disabilities in Africa.
The conference underscored the critical role of technology in empowering people with disabilities. Discussions focused on how digital solutions can enhance access to education, employment, and entrepreneurship.
For Vodacom, technology is a cornerstone in achieving accessibility, and we have aligned our efforts with the GSMA’s principles for driving digital inclusion for persons with disabilities.
Our innovations in assistive technologies demonstrate this commitment. For instance, our interactive voice response voicemail allows hearing-impaired customers to receive detailed SMS summaries instead of being excluded from voice messages.
At our smart digital training centres, we provide tailored training to help persons with disabilities optimally use smart devices and digital tools.
We enable people with disabilities to stay connected, live a better life today, and build a better tomorrow. Under the Je Suis Cap initiative in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Vodacom has trained nearly 950 women with disabilities to become M-Pesa agents. Today, these women run their businesses, contributing to their communities and the economy.
In Lesotho, we have supported the Insight Centre, a 4G-enabled library at the state library, providing visually impaired persons with equal access to information, education, and employment opportunities.
Accessibility extends beyond technology. Across our markets, we have introduced measures to ensure that our customer services are more inclusive.
We served 35 000 deaf and hard-of-hearing customers at our dedicated call centre in Egypt, which uses a specialised bundle for free video calls and employs deaf individuals and expert speakers. We have also made strides in increasing accessibility for customers in Tanzania.
Over 170 stores support wheelchair access, with priority desks at select outlets for persons with disabilities, including specialised assistance for blind and hearing-impaired customers.
Additionally, 30 retail employees have been trained in sign language. Each of these initiatives moves us closer to a more inclusive society.
One of the highlights of the Disability and Accessibility Conference was celebrating individuals and organisations driving change in this space. I had the privilege of honouring colleagues, with certificates of recognition, for the remarkable strides they have made to promote inclusion and inspiring others to follow suit. These moments are a reminder of the transformative power of collective action in making a meaningful difference.
Despite these efforts, there is much more to do. Creating equal opportunities for people with disabilities requires partnerships across sectors, innovative thinking, and sustained advocacy. Beyond business, inclusivity must permeate political, social, and cultural life, ensuring that no one is left behind.
This International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let us commit to breaking down barriers and unlocking the potential of millions to create a richer, more diverse, and equitable world.
Stephen Chege, Chief Regulatory and External Affairs Officer at Vodacom Group.