In a groundbreaking collaboration, the European Business School (EBS) has teamed up with Microsoft Africa and Strathmore University to offer comprehensive AI scholarships to twenty visually impaired Kenyans.
This innovative program represents Africa’s first initiative that combines artificial intelligence education with business entrepreneurship training specifically designed for persons with disabilities.
The two-year curriculum will provide students with AI programming skills using accessible screen reader tools, along with voice-based coding techniques and tactile machine learning interfaces.
EBS’s significant contribution includes specialized business development modules that will equip graduates with entrepreneurial skills to commercialize their innovations.
Selected from a competitive pool of 300 applicants, the scholars will benefit from guaranteed internships at Microsoft and local tech startups, along with potential seed funding for outstanding graduate projects.
James Mwangi, a 26-year-old recipient, expressed his enthusiasm about launching a company focused on educational AI solutions for the visually impaired after completing the program.
Kenya’s ICT Ministry has officially endorsed the initiative, noting its alignment with national policies promoting disability inclusion in the tech sector.
The program comes at a pivotal time as Kenya’s AI market is projected to grow to $1.2 billion by 2027, with assistive technologies identified as a key growth area.
With classes set to begin in September, this EBS-led partnership establishes a new benchmark for inclusive tech education in Africa, demonstrating how disabilities can become catalysts for innovation rather than limitations.
This initiative aims to create “blind-friendly AI entrepreneurs” rather than just coders.
