The Health Tech Hub Africa hosted its first webinar of the year, bringing together stakeholders to reflect on 2024’s achievements, introduce the 2025 startup cohort, and outline plans to strengthen Africa’s health tech ecosystem. Moderated by Immanuel Momanyi, Director at HealthTech Hub Africa, the event highlighted collaboration, policy advancements, and scalable innovations.
2024 Impact Report: A Year of Growth
Joanne Peter, Director of Innovation at Jhpeigo, shared standout results from the Hub’s 2024 activities:
– 31 startups accelerated across 14 African countries.
– $5.67 million in revenue generated and $7.85 million raised by startups.
– 910 new jobs created and 1.7 million individuals reached through health services.
– Policy engagement with 32 African policymakers and 7 public-sector use cases piloted.
“Despite global investment challenges, half of our cohort secured funding,” noted Joan, emphasizing Kenya, Senegal, and Nigeria as leading ecosystems. Startups praised mentorship, collaboration opportunities, and the Hub’s role in refining their strategies.
Introducing the 2025 Cohort
The Hub selected 21 startups from 10 African countries for its 2025 accelerator program. Immanuel Momanyi detailed the rigorous selection process, which narrowed 311 applications to a final cohort featuring francophone representation (6 startups), telemedicine innovators, and hardware developers like Tanzania’s Rover Labs (3D prosthetics) and DOT Glasses (health-focused eyewear).
2025 Support Roadmap
Speakers outlined tailored plans to empower the new cohort:
1. Acceleration: Esther Wanjiru, Acceleration Lead, highlighted biweekly coaching, investor summits, and mentorship. “We’ve designed a roadmap to ensure startups gain actionable insights,” she said.
2. Interoperability: Munya emphasized the Standards and Interoperability Lab’s role in training startups on data standards like HL7 FHIR and testing solutions in sandbox environments.
3. Policy Advocacy: Elizabeth Mbugwa, Policy Director, announced a virtual resource hub for startups and partnerships with governments to shape AI and digital health policies. Nigeria will pioneer interoperability guidelines in 2025.
Call for Collaborative Partnerships
Richard Bishumba, Partnerships Lead at HTHA, urged stakeholders to join forces:
“If you’re an investor, tech company, or policymaker, there’s space for you. Together, we can amplify impact.”
Key partnership opportunities include mentorship, funding, and co-hosting events at the Hub’s Kigali base.
Key Takeaways
1. Ecosystem Growth: The Hub’s three-year impact includes $25M raised by startups and 4.5M people served.
2. Policy Momentum: The intergovernmental working group now spans 15 countries, driving continent-wide policy alignment.
3. Investor Engagement: Health tech remains underserved—investors are critical to scaling solutions.
“None of this work can be done alone,” concluded Joanne Peter. “Let’s build a healthier Africa together.”
