Ghanaian Speech and Language Therapist, Gifty Ayoka, represented the Center for Digital Language Inclusion (CDLI) — an initiative of the Global Disability Innovation (GDI) Hub — at the recently held Africa Health Tech Summit (AHTS) in Kigali, Rwanda.
The summit convened leading experts, policymakers, and innovators from across Africa to explore the role of technology in advancing inclusive health systems. Ms. Ayoka, the only Speech and Language Therapist from Ghana in attendance, participated in discussions on the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI), assistive technology, and disability inclusion.
In addition to contributing to the conference dialogues, Ms. Ayoka and the CDLI team conducted fieldwork to collect vocabulary samples from persons with speech impairments in Rwanda, reflecting words and expressions meaningful to them in their local languages.
Countries that have taken part in this exercise in the past include Ghana and Kenya. The data gathered will contribute to building AI-powered applications that recognize and respond to diverse speech patterns, thereby promoting inclusivity in digital communication tools.
Speaking at the summit workshop on the topic “From Innovation to Impact: Building Pathways for Assistive Technologies in Africa “, Ms. Ayoka noted:
“Innovation alone is not enough — we must create pathways that ensure assistive technologies reach those who need them most. True impact happens when design, policy, and community inclusion work hand in hand to transform lives across Africa.”
The Center for Digital Language Inclusion (CDLI) was co-founded by Professor Catherine Holloway and Dr. Richard Cave. The initiative works to ensure that people with non-standard speech, particularly in the Global South, are represented in the development of AI and digital technologies.
Speaking at the summit’s panel discussion, Dr. Richard Cave also added:
“Collaboration is key. By working closely with local innovators, therapists, and persons with speech impairments, we can co-create AI solutions that recognize and respond to speech in local languages — ensuring that AI-powered assistive technologies truly reflect Africa’s linguistic and cultural diversity.”
CDLI collaborates with persons with speech impairments, speech therapists, linguists, and computer scientists across Africa to responsibly collect and process speech data. Its work aims to improve access to AI-powered assistive technologies that empower individuals with communication disabilities to interact confidently in their own languages.
Through GDI Hub’s continued support, Ms. Ayoka’s participation in the Africa Health Tech Summit reinforces Ghana’s growing leadership in inclusive technology and AI for accessibility across the continent.
About Gifty Ayoka
Gifty Ayoka is a Speech and Language Therapist from Ghana and a leading advocate for inclusive communication and disability rights in Africa. She works with the Center for Digital Language Inclusion (CDLI), an initiative of the Global Disability Innovation (GDI) Hub, where she supports efforts to build inclusive AI by collecting and curating speech samples from persons with speech impairments across Africa in local languages.
Her work focuses on ensuring that assistive and digital technologies are accessible, locally relevant, and inclusive of every voice.