Driving Health Innovation Across Africa: i3’s Transformational Journey
Since its launch in June 2022, the Investing in Innovation Africa (i3) program has been dedicated to bridging the gap between African health tech innovators and major health purchasers. Through strategic partnerships and tailored support, i3 has empowered startups to scale their solutions, addressing critical supply chain challenges and improving healthcare delivery across the continent.
The program’s impact is already profound. With a focus on diversity and inclusion, particularly supporting women-led and Francophone companies, i3’s 3-pronged approach—risk-tolerant funding, market access, and development support—has enabled innovators to grow. By the conclusion of Phase 1 in May 2024, i3 had facilitated more than 450 bespoke connections between startups and customers, raised over $50 million for innovators, and created nearly 1,000 jobs, 45% of which were filled by women. These efforts directly reached 15 million people and helped deliver 250 million health products through 72,000 healthcare providers.
As i3 prepares for its next phase, the program continues to focus on scaling health tech innovations through improved partnerships, bespoke support, and access to finance that meet the unique needs of African innovators. By facilitating these key connections, i3 remains committed to shaping a healthier, more equitable future for the continent.
