African healthcare innovation takes center stage as Timbuktoo Initiative gains momentum

Former Nigerian Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has joined fellow leaders at the Timbuktoo Africa Innovation Fund Council meeting this week, witnessing firsthand how African entrepreneurs are revolutionizing healthcare delivery across the continent. The high-level gathering at the newly established Timbuktoo Africa Healthcare Hub showcased groundbreaking solutions addressing critical gaps in medical access and education. 

During facility tours, Prof. Osinbajo engaged with two pioneering health tech founders representing the next generation of African innovators. Rwandan engineer Claude Irankunda demonstrated his Baho Nursebot prototype – an all-in-one diagnostic device providing real-time vital sign monitoring for remote clinics. The portable unit combines multiple medical instruments into a single AI-powered platform, dramatically improving care quality in resource-limited settings. 

Liberian social entrepreneur Bishop Wolah presented My SafePad's dual approach to menstrual health, pairing sustainable hygiene products with comprehensive reproductive education programs. Her initiative has already reached 15,000 students across Liberia while creating local manufacturing jobs through eco-friendly pad production. 

"The brilliance we're seeing here proves Africa doesn't need imported solutions for our health challenges," remarked Prof. Osinbajo after testing the Nursebot's diagnostic capabilities. The former Vice President's visit underscored Timbuktoo's unique model combining venture funding with hands-on technical support for African health startups. 

Timbuktoo Executive Secretary Ms. Natalie Jabangwe revealed the initiative's ambitious roadmap: "Our first cohort of 12 startups will deploy solutions in eight countries by year-end, with plans to scale proven innovations continent-wide." The Healthcare Hub serves as both incubation space and demonstration center, allowing policymakers to experience technologies before supporting national adoption.

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye