On Saturday, a groundbreaking cohort was introduced in Kigali, Rwanda. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Timbuktoo Africa Innovation Foundation were responsible for this introduction. This group consists of 40 start-ups in the HealthTech sector. This launch marked the beginning of the HealthTech Hub accelerator program. It aims to empower entrepreneurs and start-ups working to address Africa’s most significant healthcare challenges through technology.
The accelerator program, hosted at the HealthTech Hub, supports early-stage startups developing scalable and impactful solutions in telemedicine, healthcare logistics, diagnostics, and mobile health. These startups will receive comprehensive support, including mentorship, funding, and access to cutting-edge resources.
Ahunna Eziakonwa, UNDP Assistant Secretary-General and Regional Director for Africa, praised the HealthTech Hub. She recognized it as a transformative platform for African healthcare innovation. “This hub is about building African solutions for global health challenges,” she emphasized. She highlighted the need to harness Africa’s youth. Tech entrepreneurs are essential to drive sustainable healthcare improvements across the continent.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame echoed this sentiment, expressing pride in Africa’s young innovators and their potential to contribute significantly to healthcare transformation. He highlighted the continent’s diversity as a valuable resource. He emphasized the need for guidance to help young people refine and advance their ideas.
The accelerator is part of the broader Timbuktoo initiative, which seeks to mobilize up to $1 billion in catalytic and commercial capital over the next decade, fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem across Africa. The Kigali HealthTech Hub is one of Timbuktoo’s 10 thematic hubs. It collaborates with government bodies, private partners, and academic institutions. Together, they create a supportive environment for innovation. Through this ecosystem, the initiative aims to drive sustainable, inclusive healthcare solutions across Africa.
The program seeks innovative entrepreneurs who are developing or have already launched health-tech solutions and meet the criteria for participation. As it scales, the Timbuktoo HealthTech Hub is set to lead in providing accessible healthcare solutions. These solutions will be technology-driven for African communities.