Sub-Saharan Africa faces unique healthcare challenges, bearing 24% of the global disease burden with just 3% of the global health workforce. Limited resources and gaps in healthcare infrastructure have long hindered equitable access to quality health services. However, technology-driven innovation is emerging as a game-changer, with groundbreaking solutions like drone medical deliveries and virtual health assistants already making waves.
The HealthTech Hub Africa (HTHA) is at the forefront of this movement, driving transformative healthtech solutions across the continent. A hybrid pan-African healthtech accelerator based in Kigali, Rwanda, HTHA brings together innovation, collaboration, and impact. With support from the Novartis Foundation, the Global Fund, and the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, and implementation by Jhpiego and Villgro Africa, the accelerator provides a unique platform to integrate health innovations into public health systems, fostering sustainable businesses and meaningful health outcomes.
As part of its mission, HTHA is now accepting applications for the 2025 HealthTech Hub Africa Accelerator Program. This eight-month program empowers startups with the tools, mentorship, and connections to scale their impact across public and private health sectors.
Who Should Apply?
The 2025 accelerator is open to African-registered healthtech ventures with a strong focus on addressing public health challenges through innovative and scalable solutions. Ideal applicants should:
- Operate in one or more of HTHA’s thematic categories.
- Be post-revenue/seed-stage startups that have been operational for at least one year.
- Have a team of at least two full-time members, with at least one African founder or permanent resident.
- Demonstrate an intent or track record of working with government health systems alongside private sector models.
Thematic Categories: Innovating for Africa’s Health Challenges
Startups will tackle challenges across the following focus areas.
Virtual Health: Proactive and Preventive Health Management
Solutions that promote proactive health management and prevention, such as:
- Health and wellness tools addressing noncommunicable diseases, for example, cardiovascular conditions.
- Public health education and awareness technologies.
- Innovations empowering pharmacies and community health workers.
- Tools for disease surveillance and contact tracing.
Virtual Care: Diagnosis, Management, and Treatment
Technologies enhancing access to and quality of care, including:
- AI-powered diagnostics and screening innovations.
- Telemedicine and remote patient monitoring platforms.
- Patient engagement and adherence tools.
- Integrated, patient-centred care solutions.
Data-Driven Decision-Making for Health Systems
Harnessing the power of data to strengthen health systems through:
- Advanced analytics and clinical decision support tools.
- Solutions for electronic health records and data interoperability.
- Health financing, supply chain management, and emergency transport technologies.
Climate and Health: Resilience to Climate-Driven Health Challenges
Building climate-resilient health systems with solutions like:
- Outbreak surveillance and mapping tools.
- Innovations for maintaining healthcare services during extreme weather events.
- Climate-sensitive disease prediction and early warning systems.
- Supply chain solutions reducing health sector greenhouse gas emissions.
What Startups Stand to Gain
Selected startups will participate in an eight-month accelerator program featuring a wide array of benefits:
- Workspaces: Access to premium office and meeting spaces at Kigali’s Norrsken House.
- Funding Opportunities: Exclusive access to funding prospects as program participants and alumni.
- Expert Mentorship: Tailored guidance from industry leaders in health and technology.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Engage government stakeholders to support integration into public health systems.
- Networking Events: Meetups, hybrid events, and opportunities to pitch at the HealthTech Hub Africa Investor Summit.
- Technical Support: Training on digital health strategies, interoperability standards, and more via the HTHA Standards & Interoperability Lab.
- Community and Peer Learning: Collaborate with other African innovators to share insights and drive collective impact.
Why Apply?
Beyond the accelerator program, HTHA provides an unparalleled opportunity for startups to integrate their innovations into public health systems, collaborate with government ministries, and leverage the collective expertise of a global partner network. This includes startup awards, research opportunities, and funding access to propel businesses toward scale and sustainability.
Application Deadline and Process
Interested startups must submit their applications by 17th January 2025. The evaluation will consider product excellence, team strength, scalability, and alignment with HTHA’s thematic priorities.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 HealthTech Hub Africa Accelerator Program is not just an opportunity to grow a business—it’s a chance to be at the heart of Africa’s healthcare transformation. If your startup is ready to shape the future of healthtech on the continent, apply today and join a vibrant community of changemakers working to ensure healthier futures for all.
For more details and to apply, visit here.
