- Who is eligible to apply for the AWiDH mentorship program?
The AWiDH mentorship program is open female founders aged between 20-40 years old who are nationals or resident of any African country. Applicants need to show their digital health solution caters to the needs of an underserved population and is a measurable improvement compared to current public health solutions widely available.
2. When does the call to apply for the AWiDH mentorship programme open?
The application period for the program begins on 30 July 2024 and closes at 23:59 on30 August. Only complete applications submitted within this period will be accepted. Late submissions will NOT be accepted.
3. How can I apply for the AWiDH mentorship program?
Applications can be submitted through the AWiDH mentorship program Application form, the link is here. Detailed instructions and eligibility criteria are provided on the application page.
4. I am not sure if my country is eligible for the AWiDH mentorship program. Where can I find a list of eligible countries?
The AWiDH mentorship program is open to all African citizens or residents. A list of eligible countries is available in a drop-down menu within the application form.
5. What are the selection criteria?
We will be reviewing the applications we receive based on the following criteria
- Africa-based
- Female
- Founder/co-founder of a registered digital health company
- Aged 20-40
- The founder/co-founder and company has an active online presence
- The founder/co-founder has public speaking experience
- The company is less than 5 years old as of August 2024
- The digital health product the company offers provides a solution to address a public health challenge in Africa
- The digital health product is at least a functional prototype [designed and built to test its functionality and usability
- The digital health product has proven that it can make a measurable impact on health delivery, and the effect is quantifiable
- To what extent does this digital product cater to the health needs of an underserved population?
- The digital product is scalable beyond the national market and shows a high level of innovation
- The mentorship program will be a contributing factor in the future success of the business.
6. Can I make changes to my application after I submit it?
No, all submitted applications are final and cannot be amended after submission. You will receive a copy of your application after submission.
7. How long is the mentorship program, and where will it take place?
The program is a fast-paced and dynamic experience and challenges mentees to grow their creativity in business strategy, leadership, product development, marketing, branding, and finance. It is a mixture of one-on-one mentorship from leading African females in the technology sector and a week-long immersion program. The week-long immersion program will take place from 21-25 October, just ahead of the Third Africa Health Tech Summit in Kigali, Rwanda. Mentees will also have the chance to attend the Summit taking place from 29-31 October and meet industry leaders, visionaries, and policymakers to forge transformative partnerships and drive meaningful change in digital healthcare delivery across Africa. Mentees will also meet with their mentors before the week-long immersion program, during and afterwards.
7. What kind of support can mentees expect from mentors?
Mentors will provide personalized guidance in business and leadership skills. This includes support in areas such as business strategy, product development, marketing, branding, and finance.
8. What are the costs associated with participating in the mentorship program?
There is no cost for participants.
9. Who is behind AWiDH?
Under the leadership of the African Union and Africa CDC, Speak Up Africa leads the AWiDH mentorship program, which is funded by Resolve to Save Lives.