As the European Accessibility Act (EAA) comes into effect in June 2025, global organisations are rethinking how accessible their digital platforms really are. While the EAA doesn’t apply directly to South African businesses unless they operate in the EU, it raises important questions about how we approach digital inclusion at home.
Driving digital inclusion in South Africa requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both technological and contextual factors. Adopting global accessibility standards, along with investments in affordable technology, digital skills training, and accessible local content, is essential for creating a more equitable and inclusive digital society. This effort not only benefits people with disabilities but also contributes to broader economic and social development
SoftwareOne, a a leading global software and cloud solutions provider, has announced a partnership with Eye-Able and is helping clients align with global accessibility standards — while supporting South Africa’s own goals around equality, inclusion, and compliance with local frameworks like PEPUDA, the Employment Equity Act, and B-BBEE. This is how accessible design goes beyond legal checkboxes to improve user experience, expand audiences, and show commitment to a more inclusive digital future.
With the European Accessibility Act (EAA) becoming effective on June 28, 2025, organisations must ensure their digital content is accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. The EAA introduces strict accessibility standards for websites, mobile apps, and digital services. Organisations that don’t comply risk fines — and missed opportunities to serve a broader audience. According to Gartner, the EAA will also require organisations to report on accessibility as part of broader social sustainability efforts — making accessibility not just a compliance issue, but a strategic imperative. Accessibility is no longer just a legal requirement — it’s a key part of ESG and social impact reporting.
At SoftwareOne, accessibility is more than a legal checkbox — it’s a strategic priority. Following our 2022 partnership announcement with Eye-Able, we’re expanding our commitment to digital inclusion by helping clients prepare for the EAA with a full suite of accessibility tools and services. This will assist in helping clients turn compliance into competitive advantage — by embedding accessibility into their digital strategy.
Why digital accessibility matters more than ever
Roughly 1 in 5 Europeans live with a disability. For these individuals, inaccessible websites or digital tools can create daily barriers to work, services, and information. The EAA is a step toward removing those barriers — by requiring that key digital products and services be designed with accessibility in mind. Accessibility isn’t just about compliance — it’s about removing barriers for millions of people.
Closer to home, according to the 2022 Stats SA Census, approximately 6.0% of South Africans (about 3.3 million people) live with disabilities. This underscores the importance of inclusive digital design in local contexts.
But beyond compliance, digital accessibility is a business enabler. Inclusive design improves user experience, expands audience reach, and reflects a brand’s commitment to equity and social responsibility. Accessible design helps everyone, making digital experiences easier to use, more inclusive, and more effective.
