Health demands in Africa are growing rapidly due to the continent’s rapidly expanding population, which is expected to double to 2 billion by 2050. A new generation of African entrepreneurs has recognized the need to develop novel technological solutions but are faced with a lack of support for early-stage entrepreneurs.
It is in this light that the Innovate for Life Fund has announced its inaugural cohort of talented 6 entrepreneurs who will take part in a three-month accelerator program. The six were selected from a total of 246 applications from healthcare entrepreneurs from across Sub-Saharan Africa through rigorous selection and vetting process that was undertaken by a health and a business panel.
On 25th September the six selected entrepreneurs were received at Amref Health Africa to start their intensive week which will be coming once every month for the next 3 months. The first intensive week marked by thorough coaching sessions, on one meet with mentors, eye-opening one visits and network meet with successful entrepreneurs and loads of fun. After the 3 months, a selection of 3 entrepreneurs with whom Amref will start a mutual strategic relationship will be made.
The Innovate for Life Fund is a new initiative from Amref Health Africa, with support the of Grassroots Business Fund, The Elsevier Foundation and Venture Capital for Africa (VC4A). The Fund will tackle Africa’s most daunting health challenges by supporting local entrepreneurs and investing in companies that develop innovative, home-grown solutions. The Fund will offer entrepreneurs the support of Amref Health Africa’s facilities and their extensive health network.
These are the six companies selected:
Usalama Tech Ventures – Kenya
Usalama is an app-based platform that connects users to emergency providers. Our app is completely free for users to download and provides a single location to contact providers with the tap of the button. On the provider side, the data and distress calls integrate into a web platform that our provider partners can access to receive real-time data and provide higher quality service.
MOBicure – Nigeria
MOBicure is a mobile health company that is using mobile technology to solve some of the most pressing healthcare problems facing Nigeria and the rest of Africa, with particular emphasis on maternal and child health where the African continent still has the worst health indices worldwide. MOBicure’s flagship OMOMi is an innovative and cost-effective solution that has empowered and engaged over 20,000 women on antenatal, postnatal care and child care, as well as connected these women to health personnel in cases of emergencies.
Medsaf – Nigeria
Medsaf is a technology enabled pharmaceutical company that improves access to medications by reducing costs, increasing selection and leveraging industry data for Africa. By aggregating manufacturers and medical facilities as well as providing one place to conduct business, Medsaf disrupting an old and inefficient process of procuring medications.
Uthabiti – Kenya
Uthabiti has developed a mobile app which connects patients to drug stores nearest to them and to those of their own choice, where they access the store’s inventory, check the product’s price and buy. We then deliver their order to their doorstep. We further connect patients to medical practitioners for health consultancy services through a chat portal. With a growing population, traffic and queues to the stores and hospitals increase. We are providing a convenient access to healthcare from their smartphone.
Mahauty Health Solutions – Nigeria
Mahauty Health Solutions caters to the promotion of the health of Infants, Young Children, Pregnant women, Nursing mothers and Girls of reproductive age in Africa. It was established in line with the Sustainable Development Goals 2 & 3 which aims to “End hunger, Achieve food security, Improve nutrition, Ensure healthy lives and Promote well-being. We manufacture high-energy nutritious foods ‘Somma’s Yummies’ for babies (6 months- 5 years), from local Nigerian staples and sell majorly online.
Primary Health Vision Care – Ghana
A Health care startup company that sends quality, affordable and socially sustainable Healthcare services and products (Chronic disease prevention / Eye care), to people in Peri urban and Rural districts, through partnership, Mobile clinic and information technology.
4 participants together with Amref & GBF staff.