When it comes to strengthening Africa’s ability to tackle pandemics, one initiative is making serious waves.
The Home Grown Solutions (HGS) Accelerator for Pandemic Resilience is designed to speed up the growth of healthcare companies right here on the continent.
It aligns perfectly with the African Union’s big goals, including the Energize Africa Initiative and Agenda 2063, which aim to build stronger health systems for the future.
This accelerator isn’t just about funding; it’s about providing hands-on, tailored support to healthcare businesses at every stage — whether they’re just starting out, growing rapidly, or already well established.
The program was launched by the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) in partnership with Japan’s official development agency, JICA.
A Growing Success Story Across Africa
The program kicked off with a pilot in 2021 focusing on five East African companies.
Since then, it has expanded dramatically, going pan-African in 2022 by supporting 14 healthcare startups.
In 2023, nine more companies received funding, and another 10 are set for 2024.
Some familiar names in these cohorts include DrugStoc, AHN, Revital, Rology, and Zuri Health.
This success wouldn’t be possible without support from a strong network of partners, including GIZ, the Rwandan Development Board, the World Food Programme, WHO, UNIDO, and others.
Now Accepting Applications for the 2025 Cohort
The big news is that the HGS Accelerator is opening up applications for its fifth cohort in 2025.
If you run a healthcare business in Africa with ambitions to grow — whether locally or across multiple countries — this is your chance to join a program that offers customized support and access to an influential network.
What You’ll Get From the Program
Selected businesses will work closely with the HGS team over four months in 2025 to create and follow a growth roadmap tailored just for them.
The support focuses on three main areas to meet your company’s unique needs and help you scale.
After graduating from the accelerator, you’ll also stay connected with a vibrant community of peers, mentors, advisors, and partners who can help push your business even further.
Who Can Apply
There are three key criteria for applicants:
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You should be a growth or mature stage company that is registered as a for-profit business, with proven market traction and a clear customer base, plus the ambition to grow beyond your current size.
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Your business should contribute to strengthening Africa’s health systems — whether by manufacturing medical devices or consumables locally, providing healthcare services like diagnostics or treatment, or offering technology solutions that improve health access and delivery.
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You must be a genuine Home Grown Solution: operating mainly or entirely in Africa, employing mostly local staff, and having strong African leadership representation. Companies operating across multiple countries are preferred.
How to Apply and Important Dates
Interested? You can apply online through the provided form before the deadline on February 28, 2025.
After applications close, shortlisted companies will be asked for additional information about investors, customers, and finances during March and April 2025.
Final decisions will be made by the end of April, with the acceleration program running from May to August 2025.
If you want to learn more, there’s a handy Guide to Prospective Applicants available.
For specific questions, just send an email to [email protected]
Let’s Strengthen Africa’s Health Systems Together
This is a fantastic opportunity for African healthcare businesses ready to scale up and make a real impact.
With the right support, the continent can build stronger, more resilient health systems — and this accelerator is paving the way.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of it.
Deadline to apply: February 28, 2025