Accelerating Solutions to Africa’s Health Challenges: The Africa Oxford Health Innovation Programme-Apply Now!
Africa faces numerous health challenges, including a high burden of diseases, limited access to healthcare, and inadequate infrastructure. However, there is a growing movement of African innovators and entrepreneurs who are dedicated to transforming healthcare systems and improving health outcomes on the continent. The Africa Oxford Health Innovation Programme (AfOx-HIP) is playing a key role in supporting these innovators, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to address health inequality and safeguard the future of African communities.
The AfOx-HIP, launched by the University of Oxford, is a multi-disciplinary programme designed to help outstanding African innovators build high-growth start-ups that make a real impact on Africa’s health challenges. By offering training in innovation and entrepreneurship within the health sector, the programme empowers African entrepreneurs to create sustainable solutions for health-related issues.
What Does the AfOx-HIP Offer?
The AfOx Health Innovation and Entrepreneurship Scheme 2025 offers a comprehensive virtual programme that provides a robust curriculum, personalized mentorship, and practical opportunities to develop innovative health ventures. Here’s what successful applicants can expect:
- Virtual Programme in Innovation & Entrepreneurship in Health: The programme is designed for innovators who wish to turn their health-related ideas into impactful ventures. It consists of a series of web-based sessions that run over 16 weeks, requiring 8–10 hours per week. The training covers critical topics such as systems thinking, making financial projections, writing and delivering pitches, navigating intellectual property and regulatory hurdles, and more.
- Personalized Mentorship: Each participant receives tailored support from experienced mentors who guide them through the entrepreneurial journey, helping them to refine their ideas, build their businesses, and prepare for scaling.
- Interactive Learning and Networking: Through virtual workrooms, participants engage in small group activities and co-creation sessions. This creates an interactive learning environment where innovators can exchange ideas, share experiences, and learn from each other. The cohort develops an invaluable peer network that enhances their ability to collaborate and solve health challenges together.
- Oxford-based Fellowships: After completing the virtual programme, up to 15 innovators who demonstrate the greatest potential are invited to apply for AfOx Innovation Fellowships. These fellows receive personalized technical support from experts at Oxford University and its wide network of researchers, further refining their ventures to maximize their impact.
- Boot Camp and Demo Day: Fellows are invited to attend a week-long boot camp at Oxford, where they participate in hands-on workshops and engage with their peers and mentors. The boot camp covers key areas such as intellectual property rights, business valuation, fundraising strategies, and team-building. The week culminates with a Demo Day, where participants pitch their start-ups to a wider network of potential investors, partners, and supporters.
Why This Programme Matters
The AfOx-HIP is a transformative opportunity for African innovators looking to make an impact in health. By focusing on both business and technical training, the programme helps bridge the gap between science and entrepreneurship. It enables health professionals with limited business backgrounds to apply entrepreneurial skills and translate their ideas into scalable solutions.
The impact of the programme extends beyond individual ventures. By training a cohort of innovators who are committed to addressing Africa’s pressing health issues, AfOx contributes to building a community of forward-thinking leaders who are passionate about tackling health disparities and improving the livelihoods of millions.
Success Stories and Testimonials
Participants of the programme, such as Kahabi from Tanzania, have shared how AfOx-HIP has equipped them with the necessary competencies to advance their health-related start-ups. Through the programme, innovators gain a deeper understanding of business concepts, test ideas in real-world settings, and learn how to enter the market.
Professor Caesar Atuire, Ethics Lead for the MSc in International Health and Tropical Medicine at the University of Oxford, praised the AfOx innovation fellows for their creativity and energy in solving Africa’s health challenges. His reflection on meeting the fellows highlighted the immense potential of the next generation of innovators to transform the healthcare landscape in Africa.
How to Apply
Applications for the AfOx Health Innovation and Entrepreneurship Scheme 2025 are now open. The programme offers a unique opportunity to learn, collaborate, and grow with like-minded innovators.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of this exciting initiative and contribute to transforming Africa’s healthcare future. Whether you’re an entrepreneur with an innovative idea or a health expert eager to develop your business skills, AfOx-HIP could be the launchpad you need.
To learn more about the programme and apply, visit AfOx Health Innovation Programme.
The Africa Oxford Health Innovation Programme is not only a springboard for health entrepreneurs but also a critical part of Africa’s wider health transformation, ensuring that African-led solutions to health challenges become the norm, not the exception.
