Calling African Healthcare and climate ventures – Apply for the 2026 cohort of AUDA-NEPAD Home Grown Solutions Accelerator
African Union Development Agency has launched a pan-African call for applications for the 2026 cohort of its Home Grown Solutions (HGS) Accelerator. The programme, supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, is designed to scale innovative African ventures that address critical challenges in healthcare and climate resilience.
Aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and Energize Africa Initiative, the accelerator supports locally driven solutions that demonstrate strong potential for impact and scalability across the continent.
Programme Overview
The HGS Accelerator is a four-month customised programme that works closely with selected ventures to accelerate growth and strengthen impact. It builds on a strong track record of supporting African enterprises to expand operations, attract investment, and deliver measurable outcomes.
Since its launch:
- 46 healthcare ventures supported
- Operations across 36 African countries
- Over $82 million in capital raised
- 48 million patients reached
- More than 6,000 jobs supported
In 2026, the programme expands beyond healthcare to include climate-focused ventures, reflecting the urgency of climate challenges across Africa.
Focus Sectors
Healthcare Ventures
The accelerator supports enterprises strengthening Africa’s health systems across key areas:
- Diagnostics and medical devices
- Pharmaceuticals and healthcare products
- Digital health and health technologies
- Maternal, newborn, and child health
- Disease prevention and management
- Health workforce training
- Health supply chains and logistics
Climate-Focused Ventures
The programme also targets ventures building climate resilience across four sub-sectors:
Energy and Power
- Off-grid solar, mini-grids, and battery storage
- Green hydrogen and clean cooking technologies
- Pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) energy solutions
Mobility and Transport
- Electric mobility solutions (e.g., e-vehicles, fleets)
- Low-carbon logistics and last-mile delivery systems
- Green transport infrastructure
Waste and Circular Economy
- Recycling and reuse solutions
- Waste reduction and resource efficiency innovations
- E-waste and marine plastic recycling
Nature-Based Solutions
- Ecosystem restoration and conservation
- Anti-poaching and sustainable tourism
- Carbon removal and environmental rehabilitation projects
What Selected Ventures Receive
Participants benefit from tailored support designed to meet their specific growth needs:
- A four-month acceleration programme (June–September 2026)
- Hands-on collaboration with experts and advisors
- Strategic guidance across growth, operations, and impact
- Access to a network of investors, mentors, and partners
- Long-term alumni support and ecosystem integration
The programme is structured to provide practical, venture-specific solutions rather than generic training.
Eligibility Criteria
Core Requirements (All Applicants)
To qualify as a Home Grown Solution, ventures must:
- Operate primarily within Africa
- Employ mostly local staff
- Have strong African leadership representation
Healthcare Venture Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be growth or mature-stage companies
- Be registered as for-profit entities
- Demonstrate strong market traction and customer base
- Show potential for scaling across markets
Examples of eligible ventures include:
- Medical manufacturing companies
- Healthcare service providers
- Digital health platforms
Climate Venture Criteria
Applicants may be:
- Early-stage, growth-stage, or mature companies
They must:
- Be registered as for-profit entities
- Demonstrate traction and scalability potential
- Operate within one of the defined climate sectors
Examples include:
- Clean energy providers
- Sustainable transport innovators
- Circular economy enterprises
- Nature-based solution developers
Application Process
Applications for the 2026 cohort follow a structured selection process:
- Application deadline: 19 May 2026
- Shortlisted ventures will provide:
- Investor and customer references
- Financial performance data (up to March/April 2026)
- Final selection: End of May 2026
- Programme delivery: June – September 2026
Separate application tracks are available for healthcare and climate ventures.
Programme Impact and Vision
The accelerator was initially established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to strengthen Africa’s healthcare systems through local private sector innovation. Its expansion into climate resilience reflects a broader commitment to addressing interconnected development challenges across the continent.
By supporting scalable African enterprises, the programme aims to:
- Strengthen health systems
- Accelerate climate adaptation and mitigation
- Promote local innovation and ownership
- Drive inclusive economic growth
Conclusion
The AUDA-NEPAD Home Grown Solutions Accelerator offers a strategic platform for African ventures to scale impactful solutions in healthcare and climate resilience. With tailored support, strong institutional backing, and access to a continental network, the programme provides a valuable opportunity for enterprises ready to expand their reach and influence.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
