People living with disabilities represent approximately 16% of the world’s population over 1.3 billion people. Nearly 80% live in developing countries, where access to education, digital skills, employment, and technology remains limited. As digital transformation reshapes economies, it is essential that persons with disabilities are not left behind but are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.

FETSI Digital Uplift is an initiative of FETSI Impact Hub dedicated to advancing digital inclusion and economic empowerment for persons living with disabilities across South Africa and Africa. We believe that technology should be an equaliser, creating opportunities for everyone to learn, work, innovate, and thrive.

Our programmes provide accessible digital skills training, AI literacy, data analytics, cybersecurity awareness, entrepreneurship development, workplace readiness, and career pathways that prepare persons with disabilities for the jobs of the future. Through strategic partnerships with government, academia, industry, and civil society, we connect participants to education, employment opportunities, mentorship, and innovation ecosystems.

Beyond empowering individuals, FETSI Digital Uplift supports organisations in building more inclusive workplaces by providing disability inclusion strategies, digital accessibility solutions, and workforce development programmes. Our approach enables businesses to strengthen their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments, contribute meaningfully to disability inclusion, and support Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) objectives while unlocking the value of diverse talent.

At FETSI Digital Uplift, we believe that digital inclusion is economic inclusion. By equipping persons living with disabilities with future-ready digital skills and accessible technologies, we are building a more inclusive, innovative, and equitable digital future for Africa.