Investing in Innovation Africa (i3) has announced a significant shift in its 3rd cohort selection process, focusing on 5–7 growth-stage companies that are building the future of pharmacy care in Africa. This strategic adjustment aims to provide immediate support to high-impact startups that can drive scalable solutions in healthcare distribution and service delivery.
Impact of the U.S. “Stop-Work” Directive
The decision comes in response to the U.S. State Department’s “stop-work” directive, issued on January 25th, which is expected to disrupt the distribution of essential medicines across Africa’s healthcare supply chains. i3 recognizes that this development underscores the urgent need for locally-driven, market-creating approaches to ensure continued access to critical health products.
Support from Global Health Partners
i3’s program is funded by a consortium of global health leaders, including the Gates Foundation, MSD, Cencora, Endless Foundation, HELP Logistics (a subsidiary of the Kühne Foundation), Sanofi’s Global Health Unit, and Chemonics. The initiative aims to help growth-stage startups secure major partnerships to accelerate their expansion and enhance patient care.
Funding and Future Expansion
Startups selected for the 3rd cohort will receive up to $225K in grant funding, in addition to strategic support and networking opportunities. While this year’s focus is on growth-stage companies, i3 intends to extend its support to early-stage startups in the future.
Application Details and Key Dates
Applications for the i3 3rd cohort are open until February 28th, with selected startups set to be announced on April 30th. To assist potential applicants, i3 will host a virtual Q&A session on February 21st, providing insights into the selection process and program expectations.
Program Coordination and Next Steps
The i3 initiative is coordinated by Salient Advisory and the Solina Center for International Development and Research (SCIDaR). With its refined focus on growth-stage healthtechs, i3 remains committed to strengthening Africa’s healthcare ecosystem through innovation and strategic partnerships.
