As the world’s focus shifts to the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York, African-led initiatives are gaining recognition for their groundbreaking contributions on the global stage.
Building on its pivotal role at the Insights Learning Forum (ILF) 2025, eHealth Africa (eHA) is spearheading a distinguished side event in collaboration with Population Services International (PSI), Population Council, and Reach Digital Health. This gathering aims to highlight Africa’s pioneering role in crafting sustainable futures through indigenous innovations.
Titled “African-led Innovation: Shaping Sustainable Futures With or Without Aid,” the event is scheduled for September 24, 2025, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm EDT at the Population Council in New York, with options for virtual attendance. Interested participants can register at no cost here: https://luma.com/idpc8rkc.
Moderated by Hon. Chernor Bah, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Education and a prominent youth empowerment advocate, the discussion will unfold amid shrinking donor contributions, escalating global disparities, and the pressing imperative for Africa to spearhead digital innovation for sustainability-regardless of external financial support. This forum will amplify Africa’s inventive spirit and leadership in forging a new developmental trajectory.
Co-hosted by eHealth Africa, PSI, Population Council, and Reach Digital Health, this dialogue is crucial in the context of 2025’s unprecedented 17% reduction in Official Development Assistance, alongside the near-complete retreat of the United States as the leading global aid provider.
Following the momentum generated at ILF 2025, where stakeholders advocated for unified digital health frameworks, increased local investment, and enhanced domestic resource mobilization, the UNGA80 side event will urge Africa to adopt more assertive and strategic measures toward sustainable development.
In anticipation of UNGA80, Atef Fawaz, Executive Director of eHealth Africa, underscored the continent’s need to persist in showcasing resilience, autonomy, and innovation across various sectors to secure a sustainable future.
He stated, “This is more than dialogue-it is a call to decisive action. We challenge all stakeholders to deepen collaboration, consolidate resources, and implement flexible strategies that ensure lasting impact.”
Fawaz further emphasized, “eHealth Africa is proud to lead this vital initiative alongside like-minded partners. Together, we are uniting industry pioneers and thought leaders to advocate for partnerships that place African innovation at the heart of sustainable development.”
Michael Holscher, President of Population Services International (PSI), highlighted the transformative power of African innovation in health systems across the continent and beyond.
He remarked, “The most effective solutions emerge from those with firsthand experience, guided by experts, and designed to foster genuine health sovereignty.”
Michael added, “PSI is privileged to collaborate with partners fueling this unstoppable wave of African creativity, driving progress irrespective of external aid.”
Echoing this sentiment, Debbie Rogers, CEO of Reach Digital Health, affirmed, “User-focused, Africa-led innovations are generating tangible improvements from grassroots services to national infrastructures. To sustain this momentum, enhanced cooperation and ongoing investment are essential.”
She continued, “We are continually inspired and honored to partner with exceptional organizations and government bodies to innovate and scale effective solutions, nurturing the future of people-centered digital health.”
As the event convener, eHealth Africa, alongside PSI, Population Council, and Reach Digital Health, calls upon civil society, private sector players, innovators, academia, and governments to champion and finance African-led innovations, ensuring that health and development initiatives remain nationally owned and community-driven.
