Health Tech Startups in Africa: A Commentary

According to a report published by the High Tech Health, the number of startups active in the health-tech space on the continent has grown by 56.5% over the last three years, with 180 ventures currently operational.

This enthusiasm for e-health is echoed by investors. More than half all funding to possess gone into the space within the past five years was transacted within the half of 2020. So far this year, e-health startups have raised over US$90 million.

“Interest within the e-health space in Africa has accelerated within the last 18 months, and with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s a sudden spotlight on e-health startups. In some ways now’s an excellent time for the continent’s health-tech sector – there’s huge opportunities to prove concepts, gain traction, and achieve lasting change in healthcare. We’re excited to present this timely research, highlighting the strengths of Africa’s e-health ecosystem,” said Gabriella Mulligan, co-founder of Disrupt Africa.

Africa’s health-tech sector is suddenly emerging together of real value from an economic perspective, while the potential impact on ventures during this space is undeniable. With startups across the continent innovating in various areas to unravel very real challenges related to the delivery of healthcare, this report shines a light-weight on a number of those most exciting innovations.

To know more about some of the prominent healthtech startups in South Africa, click here.