Research Fellow – Mapping Africa’s Assistive Technology (AT) Landscape

The Research Fellow will contribute to this objective by mapping Africa’s AT ecosystem to identify key actors, gaps, and opportunities; quantifying unmet financing needs and market potential for AT solutions; exploring pathways for adapting successful global AT models to Africa’s unique context; and developing practical training materials to support investors in deploying capital effectively within the AT space. Scope of Work Research & Data Collection Conduct desk research on Africa’s AT landscape: key startups, NGOs, governments, and investors. Identify and interview AT stakeholders (founders, investors, policymakers, users). Analyze global AT models (e.g., WHO AT2030, UK AT Fund) for applicability in Africa. Market & Financing Analysis Quantify unmet AT financing needs by region, sector, and user group. Assess market potential for AT solutions in Africa, including revenue models and scalability. Identify barriers to adoption and investment in AT across the continent. Pathway Development Propose actionable strategies to translate global AT success models to Africa (e.g., public-private partnerships, microfinance, impact investing). Develop case studies of successful AT interventions in Africa and other regions. Investor Training & Advocacy Co-create with Jaza Rift training modules for workshops on: The importance of AT in achieving SDGs. How to evaluate AT startups and projects. Risk mitigation and blended finance models for AT investment. Expected Outcomes By the end of the 3-month fellowship, the Research Fellow will deliver: A comprehensive report on Africa’s AT landscape, including: A database of key AT stakeholders. Analysis of financing gaps and market potential. Recommendations for investors and policymakers. A toolkit or training materials for investors on deploying capital into AT. A presentation summarizing findings and pathways for both organizations. Qualifications & Experience Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Business, Engineering, Public health or related fields. 1+ years in research, consulting, or venture capital (ideally in health, tech, or impact investing). Strong personal commitment to Assistive Technologies and advancing inclusion within the disability space.