By 2050, the African population up to 24 years old will have increased by almost 50%.

According to the African Development Bank, an impressive 22% of the continent’s population of working age are starting businesses. This is the highest rate of entrepreneurship in the world.

The combination of a youthful population and a blossoming entrepreneurial spirit adds up to a powerful opportunity for positive, rapid economic and social change.

But, to enable this, a growing amount of investment in human capital is needed. This is where the Award comes in.

Its goal is to strengthen the young entrepreneurship system across Africa so that the region’s young demographic can fulfill its enormous potential to make change.

Locally, the Award aims to develop on the ground capacity for innovation.

Africa is home to just 3% of the world’s health workforce but the continent carries a quarter of the burden of global disease. The dramatic shortfall of financial and human resources across Africa puts an enormous strain on the system and healthcare workers.

In 2021, the Award focused on helping enable the entrepreneurial spirit and technological expertise of young Africans to bridge the gap between resources and need.

From cold storage solutions to diagnostic tools, 3D printing solutions, and training platforms for healthcare workers, the 2021 Africa Young Innovators for Health Award attracted an intriguing range of impressive, innovative homegrown health entries.

Award winners took home a total of USD 75,000 in financial support. They also benefited from a business mentorship program, media training, and technical support with intellectual property protection as well as exposure to a renowned network of global health leaders.

With a mission to support pioneering young health entrepreneurs across Africa to bring their innovations to life, the Africa Young Innovators for Health Award will continue to shine a spotlight on Africa’s dynamic healthcare innovation ecosystem and celebrate the transformational vigor of youth-led African innovation.

Only one fifth of applications to take part in the Africa Young Innovators for Health Award came from women. Reacting to this, IFPMA and Speak Up Africa launched the Women Innovators Incubator program as part of the Award.

It aims to overcome the extra challenges women face when it comes to taking their business ideas from concept to reality.

Additionally, the Incubator addresses the significant imbalances between men and women in access to funding, training and skills development, professional networks, and overall participation in competitive environments.

Women taking part benefit from much-needed financial support, business mentorship, media training, expert advice on IP protection, and access to an influential network of supporters.

Every woman who applies to the Award competition is eligible to join the Women Innovators Incubator program.

Media partners: Africa.com, Télésud, and SciDev.Net