IHA Africa Healthcare Innovation Fellowship (AHIF) 2025

Reach us on

Applications are open for IHA Africa Healthcare Innovation Fellowship (AHIF) 2025. AHIF is a capacity strengthening initiative of InnovateHealth Africa (IHA) dedicated to fostering innovation in healthcare by empowering young professionals with the required skills, knowledge, resources and networks required to lead innovation in their communities.

The fellowship was designed as a comprehensive response to the urgent need and critical demand for professionals who are not only skilled in utilising digital solutions, but are also competent at co-creating innovative solutions specifically tailored to the unique challenges and contexts of the African landscape.

It addresses the pressing need to equip these professionals with the knowledge, tools, capabilities and network to lead and innovate in a sector that is increasingly reliant on context-aware health interventions, technology-driven solutions, and sustainable practices that resonate with the diverse needs of the African population.

Africa Healthcare Innovation Fellowship (AHIF) Structure

The Africa Healthcare Innovation Fellowship (AHIF) 2025 is designed as a high-impact, hands-on program that equips fellows with practical skills, real-world experience, and direct access to industry leaders. The fellowship is structured into three key phases, each tailored to provide progressive learning.

Phase 1: The Bootcamp (8 Weeks, Online)

The journey begins with an intensive bootcamp, where fellows dive deep into the key focus areas highlighted in earlier sections. This phase is packed with expert-led training, interactive learning, and practical exercises to build a solid foundation in digital health & innovation.
What to Expect:
Live Faculty-Led Sessions: Learn from leading digital health experts through interactive masterclasses and Q&A sessions.
Case Studies & Real-World Applications: Work on real healthcare challenges, analysing successful health-tech solutions from across Africa and beyond.
Hands-On Assignments & Projects: Develop practical digital health solutions based on the curriculum focus areas.

Phase 2: The Lab & Demo Day (4 Weeks, Hybrid)

This is where learning meets action! Fellows who successfully complete the bootcamp will have the opportunity to move into the Lab Phase, where they refine, test, and validate their digital health solutions under expert mentorship.
What Happens in This Phase?
- Collaborative Innovation: Fellows work in teams to build and refine their healthtech solutions.
- Hands-On Experimentation: Receive technical guidance, feedback, and iterative support from industry mentors.
- Demo Day: Fellows will present their solutions to a panel of experts, policymakers, health organizations, and funding bodies. Top solutions will potentially have access to incubation, and acceleration opportunities.

Phase 3: Post-Fellowship Support

After the fellowship, participants will receive ongoing support to help them implement their projects and continue their professional development.
What to Expect:
- Continued Mentorship: Access to a network of mentors for ongoing guidance and support.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry leaders and potential collaborators.
- Resources & Tools: Access to resources and tools to help implement and scale your projects.

Core Modules

The Fellowship’s core areas of focus include:

Module 1: Africa & Its Prevailing Healthcare Challenges
Module 2: Introduction to Digital Health and the Continent’s Digital Transformation Strategy
Module 3: Health Data Management & Interoperability
Module 4: Design Thinking
Module 5: Health Data Analytics
Module 6: Digital Health Entrepreneurship/Venture Building
Module 7: Responsible Innovation & DPGs for Health

Africa Healthcare Innovation Fellowship (AHIF) Benefits

Master cutting-edge innovation tools and methodologies through practical workshops, interactive labs, and hands-on projects that address Africa’s most pressing healthcare needs.
Engage in field experiences and case studies that allow you to pilot tangible solutions, create impact in diverse communities, and refine your innovations based on direct feedback.
Receive guidance from renowned digital health professionals and seasoned entrepreneurs who will support your growth, help navigate challenges, and shape you into an influential leader in Africa’s healthcare space.
Join a high-impact community of innovators and foster invaluable partnerships that can accelerate your projects and open doors to future collaborations.
Receive an official certification validating your newly acquired expertise in digital health innovation, recognized by institutions and employers across the continent.

Eligibility Criteria

Young professionals aged 17–35 years from across Africa.
Healthcare professionals, tech innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, researchers, government officials.
Individuals or teams with ideas, startups, or research interests focused on digital health and healthcare transformation.
Must be available for the full 4 months hybrid program.
Prepared to learn, collaborate, and solve problems in healthcare.