- The Hacklab offered $20,000 in seed funding for the two winning solutions.
- Another $5,000 in-kind investment readiness business support was provided to each winning solution.
Image: HANDOUT
In a bid to address pressing socio-economic issues in African communities, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has called for harnessing youth innovation in technology for sustainable solutions.
At the Africa Youth Connect conference in Nairobi, Sydney Hushie, an innovation expert at UNFPA, emphasized the organization's commitment to empowering technological innovation among young people.
Backed by funding from the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands and the Swiss Agency for Development, the UNFPA Hacklab aimed to tap into the creativity of young minds.
Focusing on mental health and ASRHR (Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights) in the East and South African region, Hacklab offered $20,000 in seed funding for the two winning solutions.
The final pitch showcased diverse innovators from technology, healthcare, and social sciences backgrounds presenting solutions to experts.
''These innovative approaches aim to address prevalent challenges faced by youth in mental health and ASRHR,'' said Hushie.
According to Hushie, each of the two emerging solutions benefitted from a seed fund investment of USD$15,000.
Another $5,000 in-kind investment readiness business support was provided to each winning solution by the identified business incubation hub.
The acceleration support includes business support services – exposure to investment opportunities, business coaching, customer acquisition, brand positioning and awareness, financial management, team building, and product development.
The initiative reflects a collective effort towards nurturing a healthier and more empowered generation across East and South Africa.
UNFPA's endeavor aims to revolutionize societal issue resolution through technology-driven solutions, inviting increased stakeholder support to expand its impact.
Hosted by the Government of Kenya in partnership with the YouthConnekt Africa Hub and UNDP, the 6th edition of the YouthConnekt Africa Summit has convened over 20,000 young people, government officials, corporate leaders, and development champions.
This year's Summit aims to spotlight Youth leadership and innovation for Africa's integration through policy discussions, storytelling, networking, and entrepreneur-focused programs including a marketplace and investor meetings.
The YouthConnekt Africa has evolved into the largest business and policy convener on youth development in Africa.
Hosted by Heads of State, the summit engages youth with leaders, policymakers, development champions, and various actors on emerging development issues.
It drives strong policy influence and increased investment in the creation of opportunities for young people in Africa.