Accessibility statement

Smart Group ("Smart Group") is committed to ensuring that our website is accessible to the widest possible audience, including people with disabilities. We want everyone — whether you use a screen reader, keyboard navigation, voice control, magnification, or other assistive technology — to be able to find information about our group and companies.

This accessibility statement applies to the Smart Group marketing website at our primary domain. Subsidiary company websites may have separate accessibility practices; please refer to those sites directly where applicable.

1. Conformance status

We aim to conform with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA. WCAG defines requirements for designers and developers to improve accessibility for people with a wide range of disabilities.

Current status: This website is partially conformant with WCAG 2.1 Level AA. "Partially conformant" means that some parts of the content may not fully conform, as described in Section 5 below. We are actively working to close identified gaps.

2. Measures we take

Accessibility is considered throughout design, development, and content updates. Measures include:

• Using semantic HTML elements (headings, landmarks, lists, and buttons) so structure is clear to assistive technologies;
• Maintaining a logical heading hierarchy on every page — one main heading per page and nested sections in order;
• Ensuring all functionality can be operated with a keyboard alone, with visible focus indicators on interactive elements;
• Providing a skip link at the top of each page to jump directly to main content;
• Labelling form fields explicitly and linking error messages to the fields they describe;
• Writing meaningful alternative text for informative images; marking decorative images appropriately so they are ignored by screen readers;
• Choosing text and background colour combinations that meet contrast requirements for readability;
• Respecting the prefers-reduced-motion system setting by limiting non-essential animation;
• Testing key user journeys — navigation, contact, company pages, and legal documents — with keyboard and automated accessibility checks as part of development;
• Keeping legal and informational content in readable prose with clear section headings.

3. Technical specifications

Accessibility of this website relies on the following technologies:

• HTML5
• WAI-ARIA, where needed to enhance native semantics
• CSS for layout, typography, and focus styling
• JavaScript for interactive components such as navigation menus and dialogs

The site is designed to work with current versions of major browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge, together with common assistive technologies on supported operating systems.

4. Compatible environments

We test with recent browser and assistive technology combinations where possible, including:

• Screen readers such as NVDA, JAWS, and VoiceOver;
• Keyboard-only navigation on desktop and mobile;
• Browser zoom up to 200% without loss of content or functionality;
• Mobile screen readers on iOS and Android.

Older browsers or unsupported assistive technology combinations may not provide the full intended experience.

5. Known limitations

Despite our efforts, some limitations may remain. Known or potential issues include:

• Third-party content — logos, partner images, or linked external sites may not meet the same standards as our own pages;
• PDF or document downloads — if added in future, may require separate accessibility review;
• Complex interactive components — menus, carousels, or dynamic filters may occasionally present barriers; we welcome specific reports so we can prioritise fixes;
• Legacy content — archived news or project entries may not have been authored with current accessibility guidelines in mind.

We treat accessibility as an ongoing effort rather than a one-time checklist. If you encounter a barrier not listed here, please tell us using the contact details in Section 7.

6. Assessment approach

We evaluate accessibility through a combination of automated scanning tools, manual keyboard testing, screen reader spot checks, and review of new features before release. This statement was prepared following an internal review of the site architecture and key templates.

Formal third-party audits may be commissioned for major redesigns or upon request from institutional clients.

7. Feedback and contact

Your feedback helps us improve. If you have difficulty accessing any part of this website, or if you need information in an alternative format (such as large print or plain language), please contact us:

• Via our Contact page — describe the page URL and the barrier you experienced;
• By post: Smart Group, Area 6, P.O Box 20480, Lilongwe, Malawi;
• By phone: +265 997 95 77 31 / +265 888 28 61 85.

We aim to acknowledge accessibility feedback within five (5) business days and to propose a remedy or timeline where a fix is needed. We will not charge extra for providing information through an accessible communication channel where reasonably practicable.

8. Formal complaints

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may escalate your concern in writing to the same contact details above, marking your message "Accessibility complaint". We will review escalated complaints and respond with our findings and any planned corrective action.

Depending on your circumstances, you may also have rights to raise concerns with relevant authorities or bodies in Malawi that oversee disability rights or consumer protection.

9. Continuous improvement

We review this statement when we make significant changes to the website, update our design system, or receive substantive accessibility feedback. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page indicates when it was last revised.

Related policies: Privacy Policy · Terms of Use · Cookie Policy