In an exciting development for aspiring health entrepreneurs across Africa, the African Impact Challenge (AIC), powered by the African Impact Initiative in collaboration with the University of Toronto Entrepreneurship Accelerators – including Health Innovation Hub (H2i), The Bridge, and I-Cube – announces its latest venture: The Pan-African Health Entrepreneurship Stream. This initiative, generously supported by the Mastercard Foundation and the African Higher Education Health Collaborative, aims to foster innovation and drive impact in health entrepreneurship. Launching annually, the 2022 edition marked the beginning of this transformative journey.
Eligible teams, drawn from various African countries, will have the chance to partake in an intensive training and mentorship program. Those who rise to the top will not only secure funding up to CAD 25,000 to propel their ventures forward but will also earn an invaluable opportunity to spend three months in Toronto, Canada. This fully funded trip is designed to immerse participants in Canada’s leading entrepreneurial and investment ecosystem, significantly broadening their networks and horizons. The initiative underscores a commitment to nurturing talent and accelerating health-focused solutions that can make a real difference.
To participate in the AIC, entrepreneurs must satisfy a set of criteria that underscore commitment, innovation, and potential for impact. This includes being a young African under 39 years of age, possessing a keen interest in impact-driven entrepreneurship, and proposing technology-enabled solutions to pressing challenges. The 2024 challenge is particularly inviting applications across three streams: Health Entrepreneurship, Country Innovation (specifically from Botswana), and Community Impact (also focused on Botswana-based social enterprises or nonprofits). With an application deadline set for April 15, 2024, interested candidates are encouraged to apply through the African Impact Initiative’s official platform. This challenge is not just a competition; it’s a gateway to transforming ideas into tangible solutions that can shape the future of health entrepreneurship in Africa.
