The timbuktoo Africa Innovation Foundation, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Rwanda, officially launched the HealthTech Hub. This groundbreaking initiative is dedicated to advancing health innovations across Africa and was unveiled at the 2024 YouthConnekt Africa Summit. The event brought together government officials, development partners, private sector leaders, and other key stakeholders committed to transforming healthcare across the continent.
The launch was graced by Rwanda’s President, H.E. Paul Kagame, who delivered powerful remarks highlighting the role of African youth in tackling healthcare challenges. “We have to put in more energy, resources, and ideas and scale it up to reach wherever we intend and for many to benefit from it,” President Kagame emphasized, calling for the expansion of such initiatives to maximize impact across Africa.
Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, the UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Africa Regional Director, also addressed the gathering, underscoring the importance of investing in Africa’s youth. “We need to come together and understand the power of what we’ve got in the talent of young Africans. By investing in youth-driven innovation, we can lift communities out of poverty and build a prosperous future,” she stated, reaffirming the UN’s commitment to supporting youth-led initiatives.
A highlight of the launch was the introduction of the first cohort of 40 young innovators from 21 African countries, selected from over 957 applicants to join the startup accelerator programme. This initiative is designed to provide early-stage startups with comprehensive support, including mentorship, funding, and access to cutting-edge resources. Based in Kigali, the HealthTech Hub will empower these innovators to develop transformative health technologies addressing Africa’s most pressing healthcare challenges.
Ms. Natalie Jabangwe, the Executive Secretary of the timbuktoo Africa Innovation Foundation, encouraged the young innovators to seize the opportunity presented by the hub. “Make no small plans. This is your hub, and this is your moment to dream big and transform our continent for generations to come,” she urged, inspiring the next generation of African health tech leaders.
The Pan-African HealthTech Hub is one of 10 thematic hubs under the timbuktoo initiative, which aims to rapidly scale African health startups to compete on global markets. This hub will focus on breaking down systemic barriers in healthcare, ensuring that innovations are not only developed but also scaled and sustained within the diverse healthcare landscapes across the continent.
The launch marks a significant milestone in Africa’s journey towards enhancing healthcare through technology and innovation, with the Kigali-based hub set to play a pivotal role in fostering a new wave of health solutions that can uplift communities and improve lives across the continent.
