By KPC Sports Correspondent
The Assistive Technologies for Disability Trust (AT4D) has announced a strategic partnership with the Judith Neilson Foundation to launch the Momentous Pilot Fund, Africa’s first early-stage investment initiative dedicated to assistive technology innovation.
The KSh64 million (USD 500,000) fund will support the development and growth of digital innovations designed to address critical needs for persons with disabilities across the continent.
According to AT4D, the pilot fund will prioritise solutions that improve mobility, communication, inclusive education, independent living, and digital accessibility.
Through the initiative, up to five early-stage African assistive technology ventures will receive tailored support, including technical assistance, catalytic investment, venture-building guidance, and strategic partnerships aimed at helping the start-ups scale their innovations.
AT4D Founder and Chief Executive Officer Bernard Chiira said the initiative addresses a long-standing gap in financing for disability-focused innovations.
“Early-stage assistive technology innovators across Africa face significant structural barriers to accessing capital,” Chiira said.
 “This is the first fund on the continent dedicated to investing in emerging assistive technology start-ups at the early stage. The Momentous Fund allows us to test an investment model that centres lived experience while strengthening the ecosystem required to scale disability innovation across Africa.”
AT4D Board of Trustees Chairman Enos Weswa highlighted the scale of the challenge the initiative seeks to tackle.
Citing data from the World Health Organization, Weswa said nearly 200 million people in Africa require at least one assistive product, yet access remains critically low.
“Only one in ten people are able to obtain the devices they need,” he said.
“This exposes a systemic gap that continues to limit inclusion, education, employment, and economic participation.”
AT4D Investment Manager Harry Ochieng said the fund also aims to shift perceptions about disability-focused innovation in the investment community.
“Many investors still associate disability innovations with charity and donations,” he noted.
“The Momentous Fund provides an opportunity to change that narrative and demonstrate that this sector presents real opportunities for investment, impact, and sustainable returns.”
Beyond supporting individual ventures, the Momentous Fund will also test and validate a sustainable, Africa-led assistive technology investment model.
Insights generated from the pilot programme will help inform the design of Phase Two of the Momentous Fund, which aims to expand financing for disability-focused innovations across Africa.