Kigali, Rwanda - 28 May 2025 – Fifteen African healthtech startups today pitched healthcare innovations to investors, government officials, and development partners at the timbuktoo HealthTech Demo Day, showcasing promising solutions that could transform healthcare across the continent. 

The Demo Day marked a major milestone for the Kigali-based timbuktoo HealthTech Hub and graduation of the first cohort of start-ups. Officially launched in 2024 by H.E Paul Kagame, the hub was established to support young African innovators in tackling pressing healthcare challenges through scalable and homegrown solutions. 

The HealthTech Accelerator was delivered in partnership with Startupbootcamp AfriTech (SBC), who led the technical implementation of the program. From an initial group of 40 startups selected for the bootcamp, 15 were chosen for the full acceleration journey. Each received $25,000 in catalytic funding, as well as tailored support over a five month period to strengthen their business models and connect with investors. 

“What we have witnessed today is nothing short of a remarkable convergence of minds; experts across health, business and innovation driven by action, not expectation. These entrepreneurs are not waiting for change; they are creating it, building solutions from scratch, guided by a deep sense of service to their communities,” said Fatmata Sesay, UNDP Rwanda Resident Representative. UNDP is not stepping aside. We are stepping forward, walking this journey with you, every step of the way.” 

Through the accelerator, each of the 15 startups also received market access support to develop innovations to address challenges in the healthcare ecosystem ranging from maternal health and diagnostics to digital health systems and healthcare logistics.

“We are proud of this collaboration,” said Natalie Akstein, CEO of timbuktoo. “Startupbootcamp AfriTech brought in-depth experience and energy to this cohort, and the results speak for themselves, real solutions, rooted in community needs, and ready to grow.”

The Demo Day was attended by high-level representatives from the Government of Rwanda, including Dr. Yvan Butera, Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, Paula Ingabire, Minister of ICT and Innovation and Esther Kunda, Director General, Innovation and Emerging Technologies from the Ministry of ICT and Innovation. Both reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to creating a thriving innovation ecosystem that supports local entrepreneurs solving real-world problems.

“We’ve seen startups tackle serious health issues with ingenuity and compassion,” said Henry Ojuor, Director of Programs at SBC AfriTech. “This is more than business, it’s impact in motion.”

With support from UNDP Rwanda, I&M Bank, and a broad network of innovation partners across Africa, the Demo Day was a testament to what is possible when ecosystems align to invest in Africa’s youth. As these startups move toward their next phase of growth, the timbuktoo HealthTech Hub invites investors, healthcare partners, and private sector to join forces in advancing these solutions. The work ahead is about consolidation, learning, and unlocking pathways for scalable, Africa-led innovation. UNDP and its partners remain committed to strengthening this foundation and shaping an ecosystem where early-stage ventures can thrive and for new ones to emerge.

About UNDP
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network. In Rwanda and across Africa, UNDP works to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilience to crisis and climate change. Through initiatives like timbuktoo, UNDP supports inclusive innovation and empowers young people to lead transformative change.
More info: https://www.undp.org/rwanda

About timbuktoo
The timbuktoo HealthTech Accelerator is part of the broader timbuktoo initiative. timbuktoo is building Africa’s most ambitious startup ecosystem by mobilizing $1 billion in catalytic and commercial capital over the next decade to support young innovators. The initiative spans multiple sectors including health, agriculture, climate, and finance, and focuses on creating opportunities for Africa’s youth to drive sustainable development from within the continent. 

About Startupbootcamp AfriTech
Startupbootcamp AfriTech (SBC) is a pan-African startup accelerator launched in 2017. As the first multi-corporate-backed accelerator on the continent, SBC AfriTech works with some of the most disruptive startups in Africa, offering mentorship, funding access, and global partnerships. Its portfolio includes 60 startups from 13 African countries, with an aggregate valuation of nearly $1 billion.
More info: http://bit.ly/sbcafritech

Media Contacts
Flora Kaitesi, Communication Analyst, UNDP Rwanda
flora.kaitesi@undp.org

Sola Fagbemi, Communications and Liaison Officer, timbuktoo
Oluwagbemisola.fagbemi@undp.org

Jocelyn Nyaguse, Head of Marketing, SBC AfriTech
jocelyn@sbcafritech.com