HOKO Innovation

HOKO Innovation for Disability Empowerment and Development is a pioneering social enterprise founded on October 12, 2022, with a bold vision: to break barriers and create inclusive employment opportunities for persons with disabilities across Africa. HOKO was founded by Sibhat Wondimnew, a communications expert turned disability inclusion innovator, inspired by the lived experience of his father, who is visually impaired. Witnessing the challenges his father faced in accessing work and independence fueled Sibhat's mission to reimagine what accessible workplaces could look like—starting with tools and technologies that truly include everyone. HOKO designs and produces inclusive industrial machines—beginning with a groundbreaking sewing machine—that are usable by persons with physical disabilities and non-disabled individuals alike. Our focus is not only on accessibility but on dignity, self-reliance, and sustainable impact. More than just an innovation company, HOKO partners with governments, organizations, and local communities to promote inclusive design and advocate for disability rights in industries like fashion, manufacturing, and technology. Headquartered in Addis Ababa and working across the African continent, HOKO is committed to building a world where disability is never a limitation—but a source of strength, creativity, and leadership.

To build a world where persons with disabilities have equal access to innovation, employment, and independence—empowered by inclusive technologies, accessible workplaces, and a society that values ability over limitation. We envision a world where accessibility is not an afterthought, but a fundamental component of every workplace. In this future, inclusion is woven into the fabric of organizational culture, allowing individuals—regardless of ability—to thrive and contribute their unique perspectives and skills. By promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce, we believe organizations will not only be more equitable, but also more innovative, resilient, and successful.