Health Tech Africa

Hosted by AFIDEP and AUDA-NEPAD

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Apr 2025

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About the show

The Platform for Dialogue and Action on Health Technologies in Africa (Health Tech Platform) is an initiative of the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) and African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD). The Platform was established to facilitate informed, objective, transparent, open and balanced discussions on the development and use of emerging tools and technologies to address key health challenges in Africa.

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18 recent

April 28, 202516 min

Gene Editing and Healthcare Advances in Africa

In this episode, we explore the transformative potential of gene editing with Prof. Olalekan Akinbo, Acting Head of the Genome Editing Programme at AUDA-NEPAD. Prof. Akinbo breaks down what gene editing is, highlights recent advancements, and discusses how Africa can harness this technology to tackle its high disease burden. We also dive into public perceptions, the importance of better communication, and the policy landscape around gene editing in Africa. Listen to this insightful conversation on how emerging health technologies can shape Africa’s future.

March 3, 202546 min

Drones in Africa’s Health Systems

How are drones transforming healthcare in Africa? From delivering life-saving medical supplies to overcoming logistical hurdles, unmanned ariel vehicles (UAVs) are redefining access to essential health services. In this episode, we sit down with Mrs. Sylvia Yissa, Deputy Director of Education at Nigeria’s FCT Education Secretariat, to explore the potential, challenges, and future of drone technology in Africa’s health sector.

January 7, 202529 min

Applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Africa’s Health Systems

Did you know that artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping Africa's health sector? In this episode of the Health Tech Africa podcast, we explore how AI is transforming health systems to tackle Africa's disease burden. Our expert panel includes: • Lavina Ramkissoon, Technology and Data Expert • Darlington Akogo, Founder & CEO, minoHealth AI Labs

January 6, 202530 min

Genetically Based Vector Control Technologies for Reducing Africa’s Infectious Disease Burden

Infectious diseases like malaria continue to claim lives in Africa. Could genetically based vector control (GBVC) technologies be the game-changer? Listen to the Health Tech Africa podcast as we dive into the science, ethics, and potential of GBVC technologies in Africa with a stellar panel of experts: Dr Barbara Glover, Programme Manager Integrated Vector Management at African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) Dr Moussa Savadogo, Biotechnology Regulations Expert Dr Basiliana Emidi, Medical Entomologist at Tanzania’s National Institute for Medical Research

December 17, 202425 min

The Role of Emerging Health Technologies in Advancing Domestic Health Financing

In this episode of Health Tech Africa podcast, Dr Elizabeth Wangia, Director of Health Financing at the Ministry of Health in Kenya unpacks the intersection between technology and domestic health financing. As health systems strive to provide accessible, efficient, and equitable care, emerging technologies are paving the way for innovative solutions to optimise resource generation and allocation.

December 10, 202416 min

Blockchain Technology and Opportunities in African Healthcare

When you hear blockchain technology, your mind might jump straight to finance—cryptocurrency, anyone? But did you know blockchain could revolutionise healthcare too? In this episode of Health Tech Africa podcast, Joseph Berkoh, Founder and Innovation Lead of Fixxies Technologies, explores how blockchain can tackle healthcare challenges and unlock new opportunities across Africa.

November 26, 202415 min

The One Health Approach for the African Context

In this episode of the Health Tech Africa podcast, Prof. Emmanuel Kaunda, Vice Chancellor of the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), and Dr Henson Kainga, Head of the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, LUANAR, delve into the One Health approach and its application in the African context.

November 25, 202411 min

Emerging Technologies for Maternal and Child Health

In this episode of the Health Tech Africa podcast, Dr Gloria Amegatcher, Lecturer at the School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Ghana, shares insights on how emerging technologies can help to improve health outcomes for mothers and their children in Africa.

November 5, 20247 min

Genomic Medicine: The Value of Genes for Healthcare

In this episode of the Health Tech Africa podcast, Prof. Nicki Tiffin, Deputy Director of the South African National Bioinformatics Institute (SANBI), shares insights on the potential of genomic medicine to improve health outcomes in Africa, as well as the structures needed on the continent to help this emerging technology achieve its intended positive impact.

October 31, 202412 min

Facilitating Therapeutics in Africa

In this podcast episode, Ms Chimwemwe Chamdimba, Head of African Medicines Regulatory Harmonization Initiative at the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), shares insights on pressing issues of local pharmaceutical production in Africa: from technologies needed to enhance production to initiatives driving local pharmaceutical production.