African Women Innovating In Healthcare (AWIIH) Accelerator programme 2025

Omran Aburayya
May 28
2 min read

If you're a female entrepreneur in East Africa leading a healthcare innovation poised to transform lives, the African Women Innovating In Healthcare (AWIIH) 2025 Cohort is your gateway to scaling impact, accessing funding, and joining a vibrant network of women changemakers. Villgro Africa, in partnership with Business for Health Solutions, Johnson & Johnson Impact Ventures, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Daya Hub East Africa, is now accepting applications for its 2025 cohort.

📝 Programme Summary

Location: East Africa
Host Institution: Villgro Africa
Program Type: 9-month incubation and acceleration program
Target Group: African women founders leading healthcare startups
Fields of Focus: Health workforce development, disease management, access to medicines and equipment
Value & Coverage: Customized business support, mentorship, technical expertise, access to networks, and potential funding
Program Duration: 9 months
Application Deadline: June 15, 2025
Program Start Date: To be announced
Eligibility: Female nationals of African countries, domiciled in East Africa, leading for-profit healthcare ventures

🎯 Fields of Focus

Health Workforce Development: Employment creation, digital skills training, integration into digital health systems
Disease Management: Innovations targeting communicable and non-communicable diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, mental health, and neglected tropical diseases
Access to Medicines and Equipment: Solutions addressing supply chain inefficiencies and combating counterfeit products

📚 Program Overview

The AWIIH program offers a comprehensive 9-month incubation and acceleration experience, providing:

Support Networks: Access to a women-led community and peer learning opportunities
Mentorship and Guidance: Connections with inspiring role models in the healthcare sector
Technical Expertise: Customized business and technology support from Villgro Africa and partners
Sponsorship: Curated access to potential external partners and stakeholders in the startup ecosystem
Funding Opportunities: Fair chances to secure funding tailored to business needs and development stages

🎁 Program Benefits

Customized Support: Tailored assistance based on individual venture needs
Community Building: Engagement with a network of like-minded female entrepreneurs
Expert Mentorship: Guidance from experienced professionals in healthcare innovation
Technical and Business Development: Access to specialized knowledge and resources
Funding Access: Opportunities to obtain financial support to grow your solution

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Nationality and Residency: Female nationals of African countries, legally residing in East Africa
Venture Requirements: For-profit healthcare ventures incorporated in East Africa, with proven traction and potential for scalability
Leadership Role: Applicants must hold long-term control and management of the venture, actively participating in strategic and day-to-day decision-making
Stage of Development: Early, growth, or mature stage ventures with a minimum viable product and steady revenue stream
Legal Entity: Registered legal entity; non-profits, consultancies, intermediaries, and consortiums are not eligible

📝 Application Procedure

Online Application: Submit your application through the official portal.
Required Documents:
- Updated company pitch deck
- 2-minute pitch video or product demo (if available)
Selection Process:
- Initial screening based on team strength, product innovation, geographic relevance, and impact potential
- Shortlisted candidates will be notified for further evaluation