Disability inclusion is a crucial aspect of any society’s development, yet many nations, including Tanzania, still face significant challenges.
According to the World Bank, approximately 2.6% of Tanzania’s population lives with a disability, and 8.4% of the population suffers from various forms of disadvantages, including visual, hearing, cognitive, and mobility impairments.
While access to assistive technology (AT) remains a barrier, there has been a growing momentum in recent years to increase resources, foster awareness, and provide tangible support for persons with disabilities (PWD).
Over 1.6 million Tanzanians live with a disability, and many of them face multiple layers of disadvantage, most notably extreme poverty. People with disabilities (PWD) in Tanzania are often excluded from economic opportunities, educational advancement, and social participation, making it vital to address these gaps.
The introduction of assistive technology (AT) can be a transformative force in addressing these inequalities, offering PWDs a pathway to independence and social inclusion.
Several initiatives are underway to improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities in Tanzania. These include the Persons with Disabilities Management Information System (PD-MIS), the National Business and Disability Network (NBDN), and the National Action Plan for Persons with Albinism. Each of these programs plays a pivotal role in breaking down barriers and enhancing opportunities for PWDs in the country.
Launched on December 2, 2023, the PD-MIS is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at creating a comprehensive, up-to-date database for persons with disabilities.
Before the system’s introduction, PWDs were recorded manually, and these records were infrequent and often outdated. The PD-MIS, supported by the Prime Minister’s Office and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), is a tool that captures personalized data on PWDs across Tanzania Mainland.
The system not only tracks the needs of PWDs but also ensures that households with PWDs are provided with social protection benefits, such as additional income to offset employment barriers.
Despite improvements, individuals with disabilities in Tanzania still encounter widespread discrimination and exclusion in the job market.
To combat this, the National Business and Disability Network (NBDN) was launched in March 2025. Supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Tanzanian employers, the NBDN ensures that businesses implement inclusive policies and provide equitable employment opportunities for PWDs.
By partnering with influential organizations like Sightsavers, the network works to create a workplace environment where disability inclusion is no longer an afterthought but an active and ongoing process.
A particularly vulnerable group in Tanzania is persons with albinism, who face discrimination, violence, and social exclusion. In response, the Tanzanian government introduced the National Action Plan for Persons with Albinism in December 2024.
This plan, signed on the International Day of PWDs, offers protection against violence and discrimination while fostering the social inclusion of individuals with albinism. It ensures that the government provides security, social services, and accurate demographic data on people with albinism.
Despite these significant strides, much work remains to be done. Discrimination in education, employment, and access to healthcare continues to be widespread, and many PWDs still face barriers that hinder their full participation in society. But these new initiatives mark an important turning point for Tanzania.
They are creating a more inclusive society, providing vital resources, and demonstrating the country’s commitment to empowering persons with disabilities.
Persons with disabilities in Tanzania have long been marginalized, facing challenges such as social exclusion, poverty, and discrimination. However, the increasing availability of assistive technology (AT), coupled with the launch of initiatives like the PD-MIS, NBDN, and the National Action Plan for Persons with Albinism, is gradually breaking down these barriers.
These efforts align with the government’s Disabilities Act of 2010, which advocates for inclusive policies and improved support systems for PWDs.
In closing, the road ahead may be challenging, but these positive changes are signs of a more inclusive and equal future for people with disabilities in Tanzania.
With sustained efforts and global support, the Tanzanian government can continue to lead the charge in creating a society where everyone, regardless of ability, can live independently and dignified lives.
