The Health Equity for Africa Program is a joint initiative by Boehringer Ingelheim and Villgro Africa to support social entrepreneurs working to address healthcare disparities across the African continent. The program aligns with Boehringer Ingelheim’s global commitment to improve the lives of 50 million people through social engagement by 2030.
About the Program
The year-long program combines catalytic funding, tailored mentorship, capacity building, and access to global networks. It is designed to help growth-stage, impact-driven enterprises scale sustainable healthcare solutions in underserved African markets.
Participants selected for the program will receive up to USD 80,000 in funding and will engage in a structured 12-month support cycle that includes a six-month incubation phase followed by a six-month acceleration phase. Throughout both phases, participants receive tailored support to build sustainable business models, increase investment readiness, and expand their impact footprint.
What the Program Offers
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Up to USD 80,000 in catalytic grant funding
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Six-month incubation with weekly coaching and monthly masterclasses
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Six-month acceleration with bi-weekly mentorship and quarterly panels
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Access to research vouchers for solution validation
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Direct engagement with potential investors
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Participation in the Making More Health Together (MMH T) convention in Germany
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Health Equity for Africa Program, applicants must:
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Be a registered for-profit business operating in at least one African country
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Be a post-revenue company with a minimum annual revenue of USD 250,000
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Have a dedicated, full-time founding team and a minimum of three years of operations
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Demonstrate clear market traction and serve at least 60,000 people annually
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Be actively seeking to raise USD 1 million or more in the next year
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Be compliant with regulatory frameworks within the healthcare sector
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Have a well-defined impact measurement framework with relevant KPIs
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Show the ability to secure financing through grants, equity, or debt
Program Structure
Incubation Phase (6 months)
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Weekly coaching with a portfolio manager and sector mentors
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Monthly masterclasses covering business modeling and investment readiness
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Access to incubation grants based on organizational needs
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Graduation pitch to be considered for the acceleration phase
Acceleration Phase (6 months)
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Bi-weekly coaching and advanced mentorship
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Quarterly diagnostic panels with healthcare and business experts
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Research vouchers to support product or service refinement
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Direct investor connections facilitated by Boehringer Ingelheim and Villgro Africa
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International visibility through the MMH T Convention in Germany
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official portal. Interested social enterprises should ensure they meet all eligibility criteria and are prepared to demonstrate measurable impact, operational readiness, and growth potential. The deadline to apply is 30 April 2025.
To find other opportunities, visit here.