The Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR) has announced $11 million in partnerships. These partnerships aim to strengthen healthcare systems across Africa. SCIDaR CEO, Dr. Uchenna Igbokwe, provided this information during an exclusive interview on Monday in Abuja. He highlighted the success of the Investing in Innovation Africa (i3) programme.
This initiative connects African health tech startups with governments. It also connects them with international donors. The goal is to improve access to essential health products across the continent.
“The i3 programme has been instrumental in innovating healthcare in Africa. Over the past two years, we’ve supported 60 companies, 43% of which are women-led,” Igbokwe said. He noted that these innovators have formed 122 partnerships. Companies like Chefaa, Figorr, Kapsule, Wellahealth, and Healthtracka are transforming healthcare. They are making an impact particularly in remote regions with limited access to essential services.
“These $11 million partnerships have opened new opportunities for local innovators, many of whom have expanded into new markets. Nearly 50 innovators have raised an extra $50 million to scale their operations, further enhancing their impact,” he added.
Igbokwe highlighted the tangible benefits already being seen in local communities. “In rural Nigeria, for example, mobile health solutions have reduced travel times for patients in remote areas. They connect patients to nearby health facilities. This ensures quicker access to critical care.”
While celebrating the progress, Igbokwe acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly around logistics and market penetration in certain areas. “We’ve made incredible progress, but we still face logistical hurdles in remote regions with poor infrastructure. We are collaborating with governments and stakeholders to tackle these challenges.”
To ensure the long-term sustainability of these efforts, SCIDaR has engaged investors and policymakers to support local health innovators. Igbokwe noted that during the 79th United Nations General Assembly, leaders like Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina, reaffirmed their commitment to using technology to tackle healthcare challenges. The i3 programme was central to these discussions, underscoring the importance of partnerships in scaling tech-driven healthcare solutions.
Looking ahead, Igbokwe announced details about the i3 programme’s future. The i3 programme will launch its second phase at the Africa Health Tech Summit (AHTS) in Kigali, Rwanda. This will occur in October 2024. This event will bring together leaders from across Africa to explore new collaborations and expand healthcare innovations.
“The success of the i3 programme shows the potential of tech-driven solutions to revolutionize healthcare across Africa. Over 400 million people are currently lacking access to essential health services. These innovations are crucial in closing that gap,” Igbokwe explained.
This year, the i3 programme awarded over $1 million in grants to 29 innovators. This funding enabled them to acquire talent. They could also purchase equipment and enhance software. Partnerships with accelerator programmes provided mentorship, helping startups refine investment pitches and expand. The Access to Markets event in Nairobi facilitated over 180 introductions between innovators and investors. It resulted in 45 new partnerships and exceeded expectations.
Innovators collectively raised $11.3 million in funding, with 13 startups expanding into new national and international markets. Igbokwe emphasized the importance of continued investment, noting that sustained support will ensure equitable healthcare access across Africa.
“We are committed to driving sustainable change and making a meaningful impact in Nigeria and across the continent,” he concluded.