Menu
close

Call for mentors to support healthcare innovators in Africa

Villgro Africa is looking for new mentors to add to their pool of experts that support healthcare innovators across Africa. The mentors will be expected to support the innovators in various capacities such as investor readiness and fundraising, regulatory compliance and navigation, Intellectual Property (IP) and legal guidance, product validation and clinical validation, supply chain optimization and distribution, technology integration and data management, health policy and advocacy, impact measurement and reporting, ecosystem and network connection , refinement of go-to-market strategies and scaling, human-centered design and usability testing, risk management and crisis planning, Environment and Social Governance (ESG) in Healthcare, among other key challenge areas in the African ecosystem.

The mentorship programme is designed to create impactful and flexible engagement between mentors and healthcare innovators. You will work closely with a startup for a three-month period, committing four hours per month. These sessions will primarily be conducted virtually, providing convenience and accessibility for both mentor and mentee. For mentors and mentees based in the same country, there’s an optional provision for in-person meetings, adding an extra layer of support if desired.

Our Ideal Mentor

1. Has 10 + years of relevant professional experience in a venture building/support environment in one or more of the following fields:

  • Population Health: Expertise in community health programs, epidemiology, or public health interventions, with a focus on scalable solutions.
  • Clinical Medicine: Background in medical practice, clinical research, or healthcare delivery, particularly in low-resource or emerging markets.
  • Healthcare Supply Chain: Proficiency in the logistics, procurement, or distribution of healthcare products, including last-mile delivery and supply chain optimization in low-resource settings.
  • Medical Device Manufacturing: Experience with the design, production, or regulatory compliance of medical devices, with knowledge of manufacturing processes suitable for African markets.
  • Health Technology and Digital Health Solutions: Skilled in digital health platforms, telemedicine, AI in healthcare, or mobile health (mHealth) with a focus on data-driven healthcare.
  • Business and Strategic Development: Strong understanding of business models, growth strategy, and financial sustainability tailored to health-related ventures.
  • Innovation and Impact Driven Solutions: Proven track record in fostering innovation in healthcare, from ideation through to implementation, with an emphasis on social impact.
  • Health Policy and Advocacy: Experience navigating health policy frameworks, advocating for systemic change, or working with government and regulatory bodies.
  • Fundraising & Investment: Deep familiarity with investment landscapes, grant funding, and investor readiness, especially for healthcare and healthtech startups.
  • Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) in Healthcare: Expertise in embedding ESG principles into healthcare ventures, focusing on sustainable manufacturing, minimizing environmental impact, and ensuring social responsibility. Skilled in guiding startups to adopt ESG practices that improve sustainability and attract impact focused investors.

2. Has a reasonable understanding of Africa’s:

  • Health systems
  • Health technology and/or virtual health and care
  • Cardiovascular health
  • Optimization of data-driven decision-making
  • Breast cancer

3. Currently resides in Africa or understands the African ecosystems

4. Can commit to the duration of the mentorship program (4 hours per month for 3 months)

5. Demonstrates an entrepreneurial mindset and is motivated to support early- and mid-stage entrepreneurs looking to validate and scale their innovations

6. Speaks fluent English or French

Outcomes and Impact

Mentors play a pivotal role in transforming healthcare across Africa by empowering innovators to overcome critical challenges in the healthcare ecosystem. Through your mentorship, you’ll directly contribute to enhancing health outcomes and promoting access to life-saving technologies, ultimately impacting the lives of millions. This opportunity allows you to apply your expertise in a meaningful way, creating sustainable change and advancing healthcare innovations that address pressing health needs across the continent.

Ready to apply?

APPLY HERE

Applications close on 20th December 2024

For any queries, please contact [email protected]

 

About Villgro Africa

Villgro Africa is an early stage business incubator and impact investor that is pioneering social entrepreneurship and impact investment in healthcare and life sciences in Africa. We believe the problem is not in the lack of technology or know-how to solve Africa’s health problems, but the lack of a convincing business case to warrant the effort. By providing seed capital and bespoke incubation support, we work with entrepreneurs to develop and deliver innovative health solutions that are technically and commercially viable.