Call for Applications: Youth Digital Health Champions (Y-DHC) Program 2025

The Youth in Digital Health Network (YiDHN), established by Africa CDC, is a strategic initiative designed to foster youth-driven innovations and meaningful participation in digital health across the continent.

Recognizing the transformative role of Africa’s young professionals in shaping the future of healthcare and advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC), YiDHN provides a structured platform for capacity building, collaboration, advocacy, and policy engagement.

Objectives

Strengthen capacity and digital literacy among youth.
Engage youth in governance and regulatory forums.
Facilitate access to funding and sustainable scaling opportunities.
Connect young innovators with key stakeholders in digital health.
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To amplify this vision, the Youth Digital Health Champions (Y-DHC) Program has been launched. The program seeks to identify, profile, and connect dynamic young leaders who are actively shaping the digital health landscape in Africa.

Champions will serve as role models, advocates, and collaborators in advancing digital health innovation, policy, and practice.

The initiative ultimately aims to create a visible, impactful network of youth leaders that can inform policies, strengthen local innovation ecosystems, and amplify youth-led contributions to Africa’s health transformation.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Age: 18–35 years old at the time of application.
Nationality/Residency: Must be a citizen of an African Union member state. Africans in the diaspora are also eligible.
Language Proficiency: Proficiency in at least one AU language (English, French, Arabic, or Portuguese). Ability to participate in cross-lingual platforms is an advantage.
Engagement in Digital Health:
Applicants must be actively involved in at least one of the following areas:
Innovation (startup founder, tech developer, health entrepreneur)
Research and academia

Objectives

Strengthen capacity and digital literacy among youth.
Engage youth in governance and regulatory forums.
Facilitate access to funding and sustainable scaling opportunities.
Connect young innovators with key stakeholders in digital health.
Business funding directory
To amplify this vision, the Youth Digital Health Champions (Y-DHC) Program has been launched. The program seeks to identify, profile, and connect dynamic young leaders who are actively shaping the digital health landscape in Africa.

Champions will serve as role models, advocates, and collaborators in advancing digital health innovation, policy, and practice.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Age: 18–35 years old at the time of application.
Nationality/Residency: Must be a citizen of an African Union member state. Africans in the diaspora are also eligible.
Language Proficiency: Proficiency in at least one AU language (English, French, Arabic, or Portuguese). Ability to participate in cross-lingual platforms is an advantage.
Engagement in Digital Health:
Applicants must be actively involved in at least one of the following areas:

Innovation (startup founder, tech developer, health entrepreneur)
Research and academia
Public health programs using digital tools
Policy development or advocacy
Capacity building and digital literacy initiatives

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

Leadership and Initiative (45%)

Demonstrated leadership in digital health initiatives, organizations, or advocacy.
Evidence of personal initiative, problem-solving, and resilience.
Contributions to one or more YiDHN focus areas:

Capacity building and digital literacy
Governance and regulation
Scaling innovations and accessing funding
Stakeholder and network mobilization
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Impact and Innovation (25%)

Proven track record of tangible results in digital health.
Use of creative, locally-relevant tools to address healthcare challenges.
Early-stage innovations demonstrating strong potential for impact.
Motivation and Growth Potential (30%)

Strong motivation to contribute to Africa’s digital health agenda.
Willingness to actively engage in YiDHN activities (webinars, dialogues, capacity building, etc.).

Benefits
Featured profiles and stories shared across Africa CDC and YiDHN platforms.
Recognition at national, regional, and continental levels.
Access to High-Level Convenings:

Invitations to YiDHN webinars, policy dialogues, and Africa CDC forums.
Selected Champions will participate in the Africa HealthTech Summit – #AHTS2025.
Peer Networking and Collaboration:

Membership in a vibrant cross-continental network of innovators and advocates.
Opportunities for shared learning and joint initiatives.
Capacity Building and Policy Engagement:

Priority invitations to specialized training sessions, workshops, and policy dialogues.
Enhanced leadership, advocacy, and technical skills development.
Support for Scale-Up and Expansion:

Strategic partnerships and sponsorships for youth-led initiatives.
Access to seed funding, mentorship, and coaching from global leaders.
Participation in continental and international innovation challenges, fellowships, and accelerator programs.
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Duration

The Youth Digital Health Champion engagement will last for 12 months.

Method of Application

Required Documents:

Completed application form (submit by Sep 14, 2025 – 11:00 PM GMT+3)
CV/Resume (max 2 pages)
One letter of recommendation
(Optional) Links to projects, publications, or media

Timeline