Eight Nigerian digital health founders have been selected, along with 32 other digital health innovators across Africa, for the 2024 Timbuktoo HealthTech bootcamp programme in Rwanda.

The eight Nigerian health tech experts ─ selected from over 957 applicants from across 21 African countries ─ are currently in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, attaining the HealthTech bootcamp aimed at addressing Africa’s healthcare challenges by supporting youth-led innovation and early-stage startups with mentorship, funding, and other necessary resources.

The HealthTech Startup Accelerator Programme, an initiative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Timbuktoo Africa Innovation Foundation, is a pan-African initiative focused on transforming the healthcare sector across Africa in areas such as telemedicine, healthcare logistics, diagnostics, and mobile health.

The eight digital health founders are Dr Funmi Adewara, founder, Mobihealth International; James Oladapo, founder, Nucleus; Michael Omidele, founder, Clinify; Nelson Igbiriki, founder, Medtech Africa; Dr Najib Usman, co-founder, Checkit; Mubarak Ayanniyi, founder, BetaLife Health; Alhassan Atama Isiaka, co-founder, AIDSS; and Uche Kenneth Udekwe, founder, Natal Cares. 

Commenting on the bootcamp programme, Dr Funmi Adewara stated that the World Bank and the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) have described HealthTech as one of the most powerful tools needed to close the gaps in healthcare delivery globally. She added that it can mitigate the shortage of healthcare professionals, and poor logistics and supply systems.

Dr Adewara further stated that being selected for the programme is a huge milestone for her and Mobihealth, and a testament to the power of tenacity, resilience, faith, collaboration, innovation and the collective effort to tackle Africa’s most pressing challenges.

She added, “We could not be more proud of our vision at Mobihealth International to drive innovative health solutions that have the potential to transform lives across Africa.”
The Mobihealth boss appreciated the passion and dedication of Rwanda President Kagame for the HealthTech Hub ─ a hub she described as a dedicated haven for health tech entrepreneurs to innovate and flourish.

James Oladapo ─ whose startup, Nucleus, focuses on healthcare tech and finance ─ noted that they are honoured and inspired by the HealthTech opportunity and believe it was the beginning of something extraordinary for the company.

“We look forward to what is ahead and are more determined than ever to make a lasting impact. Together, we are building a brighter future for healthcare,” Oladapo added.
Nelson Igbiriki’s Medtech Africa is a cardiovascular technology company. He noted that his startup is excited to be part of a group of innovative people exploring how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence can address Africa’s health challenges.
Igbiriki further noted that the HealthTech bootcamp is a great platform to showcase their open-source health data solutions and AI-powered platform, adding, “We look forward to building on the partnerships formed and driving impactful innovations for community health.”

Alhassan Isiaka’s startup, AIDSS, supports healthcare professionals by providing real-time insights during outbreaks to address limited resources, especially in low-income areas.

Isiaka said they are honoured to be part of the HealthTech programme and are “eager to collaborate with fellow innovators.”
The profile of the other startups are Natal Cares, digital healthcare organisation that combats maternal and infant mortality in Nigeria; Clinify, an EMR software company; BetaLife Health leverages AI to predict demand and match Africa’s blood supply needs; and Checkit Verification Company, a blockchain-based drug verification and authentication company.
In the course of the programme in Kigali, Rwanda, the eight Nigerian health tech founders attended the youth Konnekt Africa summit, where they networked with industry leaders and engaged fellow innovators.
At the event, Rwanda President Paul Kagame, and the UNDP Assistance Secretary-General and Regional for Africa, Ahunna Eziakonwa, spoke on the essence of the programme and its benefits to the African healthcare sector.
According to UNDP, Africa’s HealthTech landscape presents both challenges and opportunities, with a projected $11 billion digital health market by 2025.

The programme hopes to support startups that are tech-enabled, contribute towards the SDGs, innovative and unique, demonstrate high scalability, technically feasibility and defensibly positioned, among others.

Some of the benefits associated with the Timbuktoo HealthTech bootcamp programme include equity-free funding of up to $100,000 USD, access to investor networks, mentorship from industry experts and entrepreneurs, resources and support to accelerate growth an impact, access to networks and agencies within the larger UN system, among others.