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Amref Health Africa Innovation Programs

GBP 25,000 (Open Innovation Challenge); USD $50,000-$250,000 (climate-health grants)

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Amref Health Africa runs periodic health innovation challenges and grants focused on transforming healthcare delivery across Africa. Past challenges have included the Open Innovation Challenge (with Innovate UK) for next-generation digital learning tools for Community Health Workers, and climate-health innovation grants. Amref also partners with the Africa Health Collaborative and is establishing an Innovation Centre with Amref International University.

What You Get

Seed funding (amounts vary by program)

Opportunity to collaborate with Amref on trial/pilot projects

Access to Amref's pan-African health network across 35+ countries

Mentorship from health innovation experts

Potential for scale-up through Amref's Community Health Worker network

Connection to Africa Health Collaborative partner institutions

How to Apply

Apply through specific challenge/grant portals when open. Monitor amref.org and newsroom.amref.org for new calls. Past challenges have been listed on Innovate UK Business Connect platform.

Warm Intro

Recommended but not required

Geographic Focus

Pan-Africa (35+ countries of Amref operation)

Decision Timeline

Varies by program — typically 2-4 months from application to award

Eligibility

Varies by specific challenge/grant program
Open Innovation Challenge: Africa-based, UK-based, and global entrants eligible
Climate-health grants: organizations in Angola, Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda
Focus on health innovation with demonstrated potential for impact
Both for-profit and non-profit entities eligible depending on program

Traction Required

Working prototype or demonstrated concept for innovation challenges

Team Requirements

Team with health/tech expertise relevant to the specific challenge

Selection Criteria

Innovation and novelty of health solution
Potential for impact on community health outcomes
Scalability across African health systems
Alignment with Amref's strategic pillars
Technical feasibility and team capability
Cost-effectiveness and sustainability

Focus Areas

Community Health, Digital Health, Disease Surveillance, Climate & Health, Primary Healthcare, Health Workforce Development

What They Look For

Health innovators developing solutions for community health workers, digital health, disease surveillance, climate-health adaptation, and primary healthcare delivery in Africa. Amref runs periodic challenges and grants rather than a single standing program — monitor their website and newsroom for new calls. In 2026, Amref is establishing an Innovation Centre and hosting the Africa Health Collaborative convening.

Post-Investment Support

Pilot collaboration with Amref, access to CHW network, potential scale-up pathway, connection to Africa Health Collaborative

Red Flags to Watch

No standing open call — this is periodic challenge/grant funding. The original unverified record listed amfrg.org which is incorrect; the correct site is amref.org. Verify current open calls before applying.

Insider Tip

Amref's Innovation Centre (launching with AMIU) and the Africa Health Collaborative partnership with University of Toronto and Mastercard Foundation signal growing innovation investment. Sign up for their newsletter at newsroom.amref.org to catch new challenge announcements early.

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Amref Health Africa Innovation Programs

What You Get

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