Vodacom expands accessibility push across Africa, bringing sign-language support closer to everyday digital services
Vodacom Group is expanding efforts to improve access to digital services for Deaf and hard-of-hearing people across its African operations, targeting communication barriers that can limit access to financial services, customer support and emergency assistance.
The telecommunications group said accessibility is becoming a significant part of Africa’s digital transformation, particularly as more essential services move online. The company operates in eight African markets and is implementing initiatives aimed at making its services more accessible to people with hearing disabilities.
“Africa’s digital transformation cannot be regarded as inclusive if people still encounter barriers when they try to use the services that are increasingly shaping everyday life. Our purpose to connect for a better future is not just about who has connectivity, but whether people can meaningfully use it. Accessibility must be part of that conversation from the beginning.” Said Ayman Essam, Chief External Affairs Officer, Vodacom Group.
Vodacom’s accessibility initiatives include working with the African Union (AU) to encourage policies that improve inclusive communication and participation for sign language users. The company said AU Member States are being encouraged to strengthen legislation and policies supporting accessibility and to recognize and promote national sign languages within their respective legal and constitutional frameworks.
In Kenya, Safaricom, which is part of Vodacom Group, has partnered with Signs Media Kenya to integrate the assistALL Mini-App into the M-PESA app. The service provides users with on-demand sign-language interpretation, helping address communication challenges when accessing digital financial services.
Meanwhile, South Africa has a Vodacom Relay Contact Centre staffed by agents able to communicate in South African Sign Language (SASL). The company has also developed a free Vodacom 112 Emergency Service App that enables customers with communication barriers to contact the ER24 Emergency Services Contact Centre and request emergency services.
In Tanzania, Vodacom operates a contact centre where customers can receive assistance through sign language, while Vodafone Egypt has introduced dedicated services for Deaf and hard-of-hearing customers, including a prepaid package and sign-language customer support.
“Accessibility is really about designing technology and services that respond to different needs. Whether someone is trying to contact emergency services, manage their money or get customer support, communication barriers should not prevent them from accessing the services they need. When accessibility is considered from the start, technology can enable greater independence, participation and inclusion.” Said Dr Karen Smit, Accessibility Lead, Vodacom
The company is also incorporating accessibility into its workplace. In South Africa, Vodacom has introduced an SASL font across Microsoft 365 and established a 12-module SASL learning programme developed with Deaf educators and the National Institute for the Deaf.
“As Vodacom, we advocate for schools on the continent and around the world to teach sign language as a mandatory part of the curriculum.” Added Ayman Essam, Chief External Affairs Officer, Vodacom Group
The initiatives comes during International Week of Deaf People, observed from September 21 to 27, 2026, under the theme “Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights”.
Vodacom is expected to continue discussions on accessible and inclusive technology at its annual Accessibility Conference, scheduled for November 9, 2026, in Cairo, Egypt.
“For us, connecting for a better future means technology breaking down barriers, which enables many more people to participate in the digital world. Accessibility is what makes this future a reality.” Said Ayman Essam, Chief External Affairs Officer, Vodacom Group.
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