African Union Development Agency has launched a pan-African call for applications for the 2026 cohort of its Home Grown Solutions (HGS) Accelerator. The programme, supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, is designed to scale innovative African ventures that address critical challenges in healthcare and climate resilience.

Aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and Energize Africa Initiative, the accelerator supports locally driven solutions that demonstrate strong potential for impact and scalability across the continent.

Programme Overview

The HGS Accelerator is a four-month customised programme that works closely with selected ventures to accelerate growth and strengthen impact. It builds on a strong track record of supporting African enterprises to expand operations, attract investment, and deliver measurable outcomes.

Since its launch:

46 healthcare ventures supported
Operations across 36 African countries
Over $82 million in capital raised
48 million patients reached
More than 6,000 jobs supported

In 2026, the programme expands beyond healthcare to include climate-focused ventures, reflecting the urgency of climate challenges across Africa.

Focus Sectors

Healthcare Ventures

The accelerator supports enterprises strengthening Africa’s health systems across key areas:

Diagnostics and medical devices
Pharmaceuticals and healthcare products
Digital health and health technologies
Maternal, newborn, and child health
Disease prevention and management
Health workforce training
Health supply chains and logistics

Climate-Focused Ventures

The programme also targets ventures building climate resilience across four sub-sectors:

Energy and Power

Off-grid solar, mini-grids, and battery storage
Green hydrogen and clean cooking technologies
Pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) energy solutions

Mobility and Transport

Electric mobility solutions (e.g., e-vehicles, fleets)
Low-carbon logistics and last-mile delivery systems
Green transport infrastructure

Waste and Circular Economy

Recycling and reuse solutions
Waste reduction and resource efficiency innovations
E-waste and marine plastic recycling

Nature-Based Solutions

Ecosystem restoration and conservation
Anti-poaching and sustainable tourism
Carbon removal and environmental rehabilitation projects

What Selected Ventures Receive

Participants benefit from tailored support designed to meet their specific growth needs:

A four-month acceleration programme (June–September 2026)
Hands-on collaboration with experts and advisors
Strategic guidance across growth, operations, and impact
Access to a network of investors, mentors, and partners
Long-term alumni support and ecosystem integration

The programme is structured to provide practical, venture-specific solutions rather than generic training.

Eligibility Criteria

Core Requirements (All Applicants)

To qualify as a Home Grown Solution, ventures must:

Operate primarily within Africa
Employ mostly local staff
Have strong African leadership representation

Healthcare Venture Criteria

Applicants must:

Be growth or mature-stage companies
Be registered as for-profit entities
Demonstrate strong market traction and customer base
Show potential for scaling across markets

Examples of eligible ventures include:

Medical manufacturing companies
Healthcare service providers
Digital health platforms

Climate Venture Criteria

Applicants may be:

Early-stage, growth-stage, or mature companies

They must:

Be registered as for-profit entities
Demonstrate traction and scalability potential
Operate within one of the defined climate sectors

Examples include:

Clean energy providers
Sustainable transport innovators
Circular economy enterprises
Nature-based solution developers

Application Process

Applications for the 2026 cohort follow a structured selection process:

Application deadline: 19 May 2026
Shortlisted ventures will provide:
- Investor and customer references
- Financial performance data (up to March/April 2026)
Final selection: End of May 2026
Programme delivery: June – September 2026

Separate application tracks are available for healthcare and climate ventures.

Programme Impact and Vision

The accelerator was initially established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to strengthen Africa’s healthcare systems through local private sector innovation. Its expansion into climate resilience reflects a broader commitment to addressing interconnected development challenges across the continent.

By supporting scalable African enterprises, the programme aims to:

Strengthen health systems
Accelerate climate adaptation and mitigation
Promote local innovation and ownership
Drive inclusive economic growth

Conclusion

The AUDA-NEPAD Home Grown Solutions Accelerator offers a strategic platform for African ventures to scale impactful solutions in healthcare and climate resilience. With tailored support, strong institutional backing, and access to a continental network, the programme provides a valuable opportunity for enterprises ready to expand their reach and influence.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.

Calling African Healthcare and climate ventures – Apply for the 2026 cohort of AUDA-NEPAD Home Grown Solutions Accelerator @NEPAD Home Grown Solutions Accelerator