Exciting Funding Opportunity: Apply now for the HAIDI -Inclusive AI Innovation and Scaling Programme for African innovators (grants of upto KES 5,000,000 or USD equivalent)

Ednah Carrick June 11, 2026

0 392 2 minutes read

Closing Date: 17 July 2026

Exciting Funding Opportunity: Apply now for the HAIDI – Inclusive AI Innovation and Scaling Programme for African innovators (grants of upto KES 5,000,000 or USD equivalent)

Inclusive AI Innovations in Africa

The Hub for Artificial Intelligence and Disability Inclusion (HAIDI) Innovation Track is inviting African innovators, researchers, developers, startups, and organizations to apply for an 18-month catalytic support programme designed to scale responsible AI solutions that advance disability inclusion across the continent.

People with disabilities continue to face significant barriers in accessing services, opportunities, and information, often due to systems that are not designed with accessibility in mind. AI presents a powerful opportunity to close this gap, but only when it is developed and deployed responsibly, with direct input from disability communities and grounded in inclusive design principles.

This track supports post-MVP AI innovations that are already in use and demonstrate clear potential to scale impact. Selected ventures will work closely with disability communities across Africa to test, refine, and strengthen their solutions, ensuring they are usable, relevant, and impactful in real-world contexts.

Introduction

The Hub for AI and Disability Inclusion (HAIDI) is Africa’s first dedicated, continent-wide coordination platform for disability-inclusive artificial intelligence. Established through a consortium of Maseno Centre for Applied Artificial Intelligence (MCAAI), Maseno University – Kenya, Responsible AI Lab (RAIL), KNUST – Ghana, Assistive Technologies for Disability Trust (AT4D), and the Next Step Foundation, and funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

HAIDI operates across three interconnected objectives.

The first focuses on building the evidence base – developing Africa-centric disability datasets and data governance frameworks that make inclusive AI development possible.
The second (Innovation and Scaling Pillar), which this call is part of, selects and scales high-potential AI innovations that expand access and opportunity for persons with disabilities across education, employment, mental health, and caregiving.
The third embeds disability rights and accessibility into national and regional AI governance frameworks, ensuring that policy keeps pace with innovation.

The HAIDI’s Innovation and Scaling Pillar is led by Assistive Technologies for Disability Trust (AT4D).

Eligibility Criteria

Are You Eligible? Check Before You Apply

Inclusive AI venture legally registered in any African country
Post-MVP or market-ready – your solution has been built, tested with real users, and shows evidence of traction
Using AI or machine learning as a core driver of impact for Persons with Disabilities or their caregivers
Operating in Education, Employment, Mental Health, Caregiving & Independence, or other AI-enabled Assistive Technology
Committed to co-creation and meaningful involvement of Persons with Disabilities in your solution

Why Apply for the Inclusive AI Innovation and Scaling Programme?

Ventures selected for HAIDI Innovation and scaling programme will gain access to:

A non-equity, milestone-based investment of KES 5,000,000
Hands-on technical support and coaching from disability and innovation experts tailored to your solution
HAIDI’s Live Lab network to test and validate your solution directly with PWD communities
Business model, go to market and investor readiness support to move your venture from traction to scale
Strategic partnerships and linkages with funders, governments, health systems, employers, and education institutions
Continental visibility through the HAIDI platform and the wider AI4D ecosystem

Support Offered

Grants of up to KES 5,000,000 (or USD equivalent)
Hands on technical, product, and scaling support
User testing and validation with disability communities across Africa
Access to strategic partnerships, expert networks, and future funding opportunities