Existing healthtech services on the continent largely target the small proportion of the population that can already afford healthcare. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in innovation in the African healthtech sector as the outbreak has laid bare the state of healthcare systems, the welfare of professionals, and the vulnerability of an overstretched system.
Supporting the growth of an inclusive healthtech sector and start-ups that address wider public health issues is critical for the future. Academic institutions are important actors in facilitating effective and innovative responses as are the legal sector and other professional services support to start-ups and SMEs in the sector. Is it likely that the healthtech sector will witness more investment from both public and private actors despite the overall reduction in tech investment projected for the foreseeable future?