Reflections from Kigali: Pioneering the Future of Digital Health in Africa
This October, Kigali buzzed with energy and innovation as leaders, policymakers, and youth came together to redefine the future of healthcare in Africa. The city hosted two transformative events—the launch of the Youth in Digital Health Network (YiDHN) and the Africa HealthTech Summit (AHTS)—marking a pivotal step toward a brighter, more connected future in digital health.
Africa Young Innovators for Health Award first prize winner, Teniola Adedeji, and Co-Founder of Pharmarun, Funmilola Aderemi, had the privilege of contributing to these transformative milestones. The discussions, ideas, and actions taken in Kigali reflect our shared commitment to revolutionizing healthcare through innovation and inclusivity.
For more information on the Africa Young Innovators for Health Award, Pharmarun, and the other winners of the first and second editions, go here.
Co-Creating the Youth in Digital Health Network (YiDHN)
The creation of YiDHN symbolizes a bold step forward in empowering African youth to lead the digital health revolution. This network aims to amplify young voices in governance, innovation, and policy, fostering a future where youth are not just participants but architects of healthcare transformation.
As the youth representative for YiDHN, I had the honor of co-leading sessions that shaped the network’s vision and objectives, focusing on:
1. Empowering Leadership through Capacity Strengthening and Digital Literacy
2. Promoting Participation of Youth in Governance and Regulatory Spaces
3. Growing Innovation by Facilitating Access to Funding and Sustainable Growth
4. Facilitating Collaboration between Youth and Key Stakeholders in Digital Health
The sessions were dynamic, filled with insights from young leaders eager to create impactful change. Teniola and other participants from across the continent provided invaluable contributions and a clear vision for harnessing youth innovation to address Africa’s unique healthcare challenges.
Learn more about YiDHN
Africa HealthTech Summit
Innovating for Community Health: Unleashing the Power of AI
At the Africa HealthTech Summit, the theme “Innovating for Community Health: Unleashing the Power of AI” set the stage for conversations about how technology can revolutionize healthcare. The summit highlighted critical issues such as leveraging AI for accessibility and championing women’s leadership in digital health
A key highlight for us was the Africa Women in Digital Health (AWiDH) session hosted by Speak Up Africa. Teniola was a standout panelist, speaking with passion about mentorship as a tool for fostering a generation of empowered women in health tech. She emphasized the importance of inclusive environments and shared her experiences in supporting young women to thrive in leadership roles.
Lola also had the opportunity to be on the opening plenary of the event, speaking on the intersection of AI and healthcare. Drawing on our work at Pharmarun, we shared how AI-driven solutions are making medication more accessible and affordable across underserved communities. These conversations underscored the immense potential of emerging technologies to address systemic inequities in healthcare delivery.
Milestones and Momentum
Kigali was more than a meeting place; it was a launchpad for action. The formalization of YiDHN represents a significant stride toward youth empowerment, while the AHTS sessions reaffirmed the importance of multi-sector collaboration.
The energy and passion in every session were palpable, driven by a shared vision to create sustainable health systems for Africa. The summit and YiDHN co-creation reaffirmed the power of diverse voices—youth, innovators, policymakers, and industry leaders—working together to shape meaningful solutions.
The Power of Collaboration
Kigali served as a reminder of what can be achieved through collaboration. The AHTS and YiDHN sessions brought together policymakers, health innovators, regulatory bodies, and youth leaders. This diversity of perspectives ensures that no voice is left unheard and that every idea has the potential to drive change. It is always a pleasure reuniting with fellow African Young Innovators for Health Awardees to share learnings and experiences.
African CDC alongside with organizations like Speak Up Africa, GIZ AU, ADHN amongst othersplayed a crucial role in ensuring discussions were inclusive and action-oriented. Their work, alongside the Africa HealthTech Summit organizers, amplified critical issues like gender equity and youth engagement, ensuring that the sessions were not just conversations but catalysts for change.
The Road Ahead
As we look back on our time in Kigali, one message resonates deeply: collaboration drives progress. The connections and partnerships sparked during these events must now transform into tangible action that makes a lasting impact.
Our commitment to building equitable, technology-driven healthcare systems across Africa has never been stronger. The future of digital health is brimming with potential, but unlocking it demands bold action, visionary leadership, and—most importantly—the active engagement of young innovators who hold the keys to lasting change.
To every changemaker we met, thank you for your passion and dedication. Now is the time to amplify youth voices and empower them to take the lead in shaping the healthcare systems of tomorrow.
Let us harness the momentum from Kigali to push boundaries, spark innovation, and build a future where access to quality healthcare is a universal right, not a privilege. Together, we can make it happen.
Here’s to the next chapter in Africa’s digital health journey! One driven by the energy and ingenuity of youth!