Launched in 2021 by Speak Up Africa and the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA), the African Young Innovators for Health Award is an initiative designed to identify, support and showcase young African entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions to address the continent’s health challenges.

Through tailored support, funding opportunities, mentorship and connections with experts and partners, the Award aims to equip young innovators with the resources and networks they need to advance their solutions and strengthen their impact within communities.

Held in 2021, the first edition of the Award focused on innovations designed to support, equip, protect and train frontline healthcare workers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. This edition highlighted solutions developed by young African entrepreneurs to address the needs of healthcare workers and help strengthen health systems.

In 2023, the second edition of the Award focused on innovations that could contribute to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), ensuring that everyone can access the quality health services they need without experiencing financial hardship.

Following this edition, four winners received a total of USD 90,000 in funding to support the development of their innovations.

They also benefited from a three-month mentorship programme, media training, expert guidance, including on intellectual property protection, and access to a network of partners working across the health, digital technology and media sectors.

In 2026, the Award continues its mission with a third edition led by Speak Up Africa in partnership with the Ouagadougou Partnership Coordination Unit (OPCU).

This edition focuses on the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve access to family planning information and services across Africa. It seeks to encourage the development of innovative solutions that respond to the needs and realities of African communities and help overcome barriers to access.

Through this pan-African Award, the third edition invites young African innovators aged 18–35, based on the continent and working within civil society or the private sector, who are developing an AI-powered idea, prototype or solution.

Selected innovators will have the opportunity to participate in a comprehensive support programme featuring an intensive bootcamp, an innovation hackathon, mentorship sessions, opportunities to engage with experts, increased visibility and connections with partners and decision-makers.

Four winners will receive financial awards, including two first prizes of USD 15,000 each and two second prizes of USD 10,000 each, representing a total prize fund of USD 50,000.

Beyond financial support, this third edition aims to empower a new generation of African innovators to advance AI-powered solutions that can contribute to more equitable access to family planning across the continent.

Ready to Be Part of the Third Edition?

Are you aged 18–35 and developing an AI-powered idea, prototype or solution to improve access to family planning in Africa?

Take this opportunity to bring your innovation to the next level!

Application deadline: 6 November 2026.

Apply Now

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who can apply? 

Young people aged 18 to 35 who live in an African country and apply on behalf of a civil society organisation or a private-sector organisation. 

What kind of solution are you looking for? 

A solution that integrates artificial intelligence in a meaningful way to improve access to family planning and address a clearly defined need. 

What stage should my solution be at? 

Your solution must have reached at least the prototype or minimum viable product stage. 

Can I apply as an individual? 

No. You must apply on behalf of a civil society organisation or a private-sector organisation. 

How do I apply? 

Complete the online form: [application link]. Questions are available in English and French. 

What is the deadline? 

Applications are open until Friday 6 November 2026 at 11:59 PM GMT. 

How are applications assessed? 

A technical team from Speak Up Africa and the Ouagadougou Partnership Coordination Unit reviews applications against the eligibility and selection criteria. Eight finalists are then selected and present their solutions to a jury. 

What are the eligibility and selection criteria? 

To be eligible, you must be aged 18 to 35, live in an African country and apply on behalf of a civil society or private-sector organisation. Your solution must address a clear family planning challenge, make meaningful use of artificial intelligence and have reached at least the prototype or minimum viable product stage. Applicants with a known conflict of interest, a criminal conviction or a bankruptcy are not eligible. 

What happens if I am shortlisted? 

Shortlisted applicants get the opportunity to take their solution to the next level. The eight finalists will take part in an intensive bootcamp with experts to sharpen their solution and prepare their pitch, before presenting it to a jury, partners and decision-makers gathered at the Ouagadougou Partnership Annual Meeting, from 1 to 3 December 2026. 

What do the winners receive? 

Four winners are selected: two from civil society and two from the private sector. The two first-prize winners each receive US$15,000 and the two second-prize winners each receive US$10,000. But the Award goes well beyond funding: winners benefit from three months of one-on-one business mentorship, access to experts in family planning, AI and business development, media training and storytelling support, and at least three speaking or visibility opportunities to showcase their work to partners, investors and decision-makers. 

When will results be announced? 

Finalists will be informed in November 2026 and winners announced in December 2026. 

Who can I contact with questions? 

Email us at: tsembene@partenariatouaga.org.