The Africa Healthcare Innovation Fellowship (AHIF) 2026 is a flagship, pan-African programme developed by InnovateHealth Africa (IHA) to nurture the next generation of healthcare innovation leaders. Designed for young African professionals, the fellowship focuses on building practical skills, strengthening health systems, and enabling participants to design and scale context-relevant solutions that address Africa’s most pressing healthcare challenges. Africa’s healthcare landscape continues to face complex and interlinked issues, including limited access to quality services, workforce shortages, fragmented digital health systems, and rising disease burdens. Addressing these challenges requires more than technological solutions alone. AHIF was created to develop leaders who understand health systems holistically and can apply innovation within real-world contexts. Applications for the AHIF 2026 cohort are now open. Fellowship Overview AHIF 2026 is a 14-week, field-based fellowship that combines structured learning, hands-on problem solving, and immersive field experience. The programme equips fellows with the competencies, networks, and practical exposure needed to identify health system challenges, co-create solutions, and test innovations that are responsive to local realities. Delivered through a blended model of virtual and on-site engagement, the fellowship embeds participants directly within real health systems. Fellows work alongside health facilities, communities, policymakers, and innovation hubs across the continent, ensuring that learning is grounded in lived experience rather than theory alone. Since its inception, AHIF has supported over 1,000 fellows, building a growing network of innovators committed to advancing healthcare transformation across Africa. What Fellows Will Gain Participants in AHIF 2026 benefit from a comprehensive learning and innovation experience designed to accelerate both personal and professional growth. Fellows will gain: Hands-on experience designing, testing, and validating healthcare solutions within real-world health system environments Core competencies in innovation, systems thinking, and evidence-based decision-making Exposure to cross-country and multidisciplinary collaboration Mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals across healthcare, policy, and innovation ecosystems Access to a high-impact community of innovators and long-term partnership opportunities An official certification in digital health innovation recognised by institutions and employers across Africa The fellowship emphasises practical application, collaboration, and leadership development, preparing fellows to drive meaningful change within their respective contexts. Fellowship Structure AHIF 2026 runs for 14 weeks, from May to July 2026, and is delivered through six interconnected phases that integrate virtual learning with on-site field engagement. Programme phases include: Phase 1: Orientation and Foundational Learning (Virtual)Introduction to health systems, innovation frameworks, and fellowship expectations. Phase 2: Problem Discovery (On-site)Immersive field engagement to identify real health system challenges. Phase 3: Problem Validation and Capacity Building (Virtual)Refinement of problem statements and strengthening of innovation skills. Phase 4: Prototyping Lab (On-site)Design and development of early-stage solutions. Phase 5: Field Pilot (On-site)Testing and iteration of solutions within real-world settings. Phase 6: Demo Day (Virtual)Presentation of solutions to stakeholders, partners, and the wider innovation ecosystem. This phased approach ensures a balance between learning, experimentation, and implementation. Who Should Apply AHIF 2026 is designed for young African professionals who are ready to commit time, energy, and creativity to healthcare innovation. Applicants are eligible if they: Are citizens of an African country and currently reside on the continent Are aged 18 to 35 years at the time of application Have a background or demonstrated experience in healthcare, public health, digital health, technology, or innovation Show a strong interest in healthcare innovation and digital transformation Are able to commit fully to the duration of the fellowship The programme welcomes applicants from diverse professional backgrounds who share a passion for improving health outcomes across Africa. Key Dates Prospective applicants should take note of the following timelines: Important dates for AHIF 2026: Applications Open: January 2026 Screening and Selection: March – April 2026 Fellowship Period: May – July 2026 Post-Fellowship Support: August 2026 onwards Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria and are able to commit to the programme duration are encouraged to proceed with the application process. Post-Fellowship Engagement AHIF does not end at graduation. Fellows continue to receive post-fellowship support through mentorship, partnerships, and access to InnovateHealth Africa’s broader innovation ecosystem. This ongoing engagement helps fellows refine their solutions, scale impact, and strengthen their professional pathways. How to Apply and Enquiries Eligible candidates are invited to apply through the official application platform. For additional information or questions regarding the fellowship, enquiries can be directed to info@innovatehealthafrica.org. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications 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.