Africa’s healthcare sector is undergoing a transformation, with innovative businesses leading the charge toward better pandemic resilience.
The Home Grown Solutions (HGS) Accelerator for Pandemic Resilience is here to help these businesses scale and make a lasting impact.
This initiative provides hands-on support to African healthcare companies, equipping them with the tools they need to grow and contribute to a stronger healthcare system across the continent.
Spearheaded by the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)—the official development assistance agency of the Japanese government—this initiative aligns with the African Union’s Energize Africa Initiative and the long-term vision of Agenda 2063.
A Journey of Growth and Impact
Since its inception, the HGS Accelerator has expanded significantly.
It started in 2021 with a pilot program supporting five East African companies.
By 2022, the initiative had successfully scaled across the continent, assisting 14 companies.
The momentum continued in 2023 with funding for nine businesses and another 10 companies in 2024.
Some of the notable healthcare innovators supported by this program include DrugStoc, AHN, Revital, Rology, and Zuri Health, alongside many others.
These companies have benefited from an extensive network of partners, including GIZ, the Rwandan Development Board, AAIC, the World Food Programme, the World Health Organization, UNIDO, and VKAV.
Applications Open for the 2025 Cohort
The HGS Accelerator is now accepting applications for its fifth cohort in 2025! If you are an African healthcare business with ambitious growth plans and a mission to strengthen healthcare systems in your country or across the continent, this is your chance to receive tailored support throughout 2025.
What’s in It for You?
As part of the fifth cohort, selected businesses will receive a customized four-month acceleration roadmap in 2025, designed to support growth in three key areas.
The program is structured to address your company’s specific needs while also setting the stage for future African entrepreneurs to benefit from the lessons learned.
Beyond the four-month acceleration period, participants will become part of a thriving network of advisors, mentors, industry peers, and potential partners—an invaluable resource for ongoing growth and success.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the HGS Accelerator’s fifth cohort, your company must meet the following criteria:
Growth and Market Traction
- Must be a growth-stage or mature for-profit company
- Demonstrates clear market traction with a sizable customer base
- Has the ambition and potential to scale beyond its current size
Contribution to Africa’s Health System
- Manufactures medical consumables or devices within Africa
- Provides healthcare services such as diagnostics or treatments
- Develops technology-driven solutions to improve healthcare access and delivery
Home-Grown Leadership
- Operates primarily or exclusively in Africa (preference for companies working across multiple countries)
- Employs mostly local staff in active markets
- Has strong African representation in leadership
Application Process and Deadline
Applications for the HGS Accelerator must be submitted by February 28, 2025.
After the deadline, shortlisted companies will be required to provide references from investors and customers and submit additional financial details in March and April 2025.
Final decisions will be made by April 2025, with the acceleration program running from May to August 2025.
For detailed application guidelines, please refer to our Guide to Prospective Applicants. If you have any specific questions, feel free to email us at [email protected].
Don’t Miss This Opportunity!
If you’re ready to scale your healthcare business and contribute to Africa’s pandemic resilience, don’t wait—apply now! The deadline is February 28, 2025.
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