Zain mandates all suppliers to meet accessibility standards

Driven by its ‘4WARD - Progress with Purpose’ corporate strategy, powered by its brand promise of ‘Better Lives, Lasting Connections’ and "WE ABLE 2030" vision, Zain Group is ensuring that innovative products and services for people with disabilities are never an afterthought. Earlier this year, Zain added accessibility as a core part of its supplier evaluation, utilizing Global Accessibility Awareness Day to advocate and share knowledge while proving that inclusion is a continuous, non-negotiable standard.

This initiative led the company to update its Supplier Code of Conduct, requiring all partners to meet WCAG 2.1 standards. Suppliers are now evaluated on both their internal policies and tools, with a mandatory requirement to submit an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) if they meet standards, or a structured remediation plan if they do not. To support this, Zain revamped its procurement documents to be compliant with WCAG 2.2 AA and ISO 14289 for PDF documents.

To bridge the gap between policy and practice, the company identified five accessibility testers representing physical, hearing, total blindness, low vision, and neurodiversity. These dedicated Zain employees provide their vital lived experience to evaluate suppliers at early stages, ensuring that the needs of professionals and customers with disabilities are baked into the design. This universal framework ensures accessibility is not limited to specific niches but covers everything from software and hardware to IT consultancy and media agency content production.

Approved by the Board of Directors in February 2026, this mandate requires all new suppliers to oblige by these requirements, while all existing suppliers must sign and agree to the new standards. In a region where accessibility inclusion is not yet fully established, Zain is redefining what individuals with disabilities should aim for and expect from organizations. By structuring its approach through firm governance and authentic lived experience, Zain is navigating a path toward a truly inclusive and innovative future.