African health technology innovators have developed promising solutions to address the continent's health care access challenges, but realizing their full potential will require bold action from governments and international aid agencies to integrate these local innovations into public health systems.
Health systems across Africa face long-running challenges around access to health care and health products. Systemic supply chain issues, such as fragmentation and low visibility, undermine access to health products in local markets, leaving patients and consumers unable to find or purchase essential health products when they need them.
The COVID-19 pandemic spotlighted the harsh reality of how supply chain gaps impact timely access to critical health supplies, particularly during a crucial, high-stakes period. Yet, as populations grow rapidly across the continent, macroeconomic headwinds mean that governments’ daunting task of driving universal health care access is more difficult than ever before.
About the authors
Yomi Kazeem
Yomi Kazeem is Salient's market intelligence lead on African health technology, tracking companies' growth and impact, and advising global clients on trends. Prior to joining Salient, he was a reporter at Quartz Media, covering African startups and the biggest trends across the continent's tech and innovation ecosystems.
Mara Hansen Staples
Mara Hansen-Staples is the founder of Salient Advisory, a consulting firm advancing African health technology. Previously, Mara co-founded Impact for Health and worked at the Gates Foundation, where she managed a portfolio of more than $100 million aimed at improving coverage of primary care through health financing and engagement of the private sector.
