Research Fellow – Mapping Africa’s Assistive Technology (AT) Landscape
Nairobi
Posted 26 March, 2026
Deadline 30 March, 2026
Consulting and StrategyContractorJunior-level(1-2 yrs)
Job Description
Role Overview
The Research Fellow will contribute to mapping Africa’s Assistive Technology (AT) ecosystem to identify key actors, gaps, and opportunities. This 3-month fellowship involves quantifying unmet financing needs, exploring pathways for adapting successful global AT models to the African 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 including key startups, NGOs, governments, and investors.
Identify and interview AT stakeholders such as founders, investors, policymakers, and 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 training modules with Jaza Rift for workshops covering:
The importance of AT in achieving SDGs.
Evaluation of 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.
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.
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.
