Last week, HealthTech Hub Africa (HTHA) hosted its annual Policy Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia—a vibrant gathering that brought together representatives from Ministries of Health, Innovation, and ICT across 17 African countries. These policymakers form part of an Intergovernmental Working Group committed to advancing forward-looking policies and regulations that support healthtech innovation across the continent.

I was fortunate to facilitate one of the most enriching conversations at the Summit, which focused on how innovators can build effective partnerships with the public sector to integrate and scale their solutions. Policymakers from Kenya, Ethiopia, Malawi, and Rwanda shared candid reflections and practical advice drawn from their own experiences. Here are some of the key themes that emerged:

One of the first insights shared was about the importance of identifying the right people within government—those who have the influence to make things happen. These “champions” or “change agents” are not always the most senior officials. Often, they are individuals who are deeply connected to the flow of information and who understand the priorities of their ministries.

In many cases, Directors General (DGs) play a pivotal role, as they are often the custodians of ministry priorities. Innovators were encouraged to engage widely, build relationships, and be mindful of the high turnover in government staff. Relying on a single contact can be risky, especially if that person holds a political appointment. Instead, look for those who offer continuity and are embedded in the system.

As one policymaker put it, governments can sometimes feel like “structured chaos.” But it’s important to remember that they are tasked with the enormous responsibility of running a country. Their political processes deserve respect and thoughtful engagement.

A strong and consistent message from the Summit was the importance of co-creating solutions with government, rather than simply presenting ready-made products. When governments are involved from the outset, they are more likely to feel ownership and commit to long-term support.

Encouragingly, many governments are actively working to create environments that welcome innovation. Ethiopia, for example, has launched a state-of-the-art innovation space within its Ministry of Health. This includes a co-working area, an ideation room, a design and prototyping lab (complete with a 3D printer), and a fully equipped meeting room. They also run an innovation accelerator program, designed to support solutions they are committed to co-funding over time.

In Malawi, the creation of a Department of Innovation and Creativity under the Office of the President signals a high-level commitment to fostering innovation. The department offers a range of incentives, including tax benefits and guidance on intellectual property protection, all aimed at creating a conducive environment for innovators.

Governments often have clearly articulated strategies and priorities that can serve as valuable guideposts for innovators. In Ethiopia, the Ministry of Health’s Innovation Center displays its eight strategic priorities on a whiteboard in the ideation room—an ever-present reminder of where innovators should focus their efforts.

Rwanda’s Health Sector Strategic Plan outlines five key priorities: strengthening the health workforce, improving infrastructure, enhancing primary health care, pandemic preparedness, and promoting innovation and digitization. These priorities are not just bureaucratic documents—they are active prompts for innovators seeking to align their work with national goals.

Even if a solution hasn’t been co-created with government, it may still be considered if it aligns with these stated priorities.

Governments typically have a range of policies that form the framework for healthtech innovation. Innovators were encouraged to review these documents—often available on ministry websites—to understand the parameters within which they must operate.

In fast-evolving areas where formal policies may not yet exist, technical working groups often play a key role. These groups bring together diverse experts, including innovators and academics, to shape government thinking. Participating in these groups can be a valuable way to contribute to policy development and gain credibility.

Policymakers were adamant that “Innovation can never be separated from research”, emphasizing the need to rigorously test solutions to ensure they address the problems they were designed to solve. Partnering with academic institutions can lend credibility and open doors to technical working groups.

While there has been some recent skepticism around pilot projects, policymakers stressed that pilots are still necessary—provided they are designed with clear research questions and intended outcomes. As one participant noted, “…to policymakers, data speaks louder than passion.” Evidence is key to convincing governments of a solution’s value.

What makes Rwanda a top performer for its level of development on the Global Innovation Index? Why has Murang’a County in Kenya emerged as a champion of innovation? The answer lies in strong leadership—leaders who are accessible, accountable, willing to listen, and committed to reducing bureaucracy.

Trust also plays a critical role. Policymakers acknowledged a common skepticism toward the private sector, rooted in concerns about profit-driven motives. But they also recognized that seeking profit isn’t inherently wrong, as all actors in the health system want to be fairly compensated. The key is to find areas of alignment, shared values, and opportunities for mutual benefit.

Regulation, often seen as a bottleneck, can also be reframed as an enabler—a set of guardrails that allow innovation to flourish while ensuring safety and accountability to society.

Finally, the Summit highlighted the importance of intermediaries—organizations that can help broker relationships between governments and innovators. HTHA aims to be one of these intermediaries, creating platforms for engagement, fostering trust, and facilitating conversations that lead to meaningful collaboration.

When governments and innovators come together to co-create solutions that serve health workers and communities, the result is not just a win-win—it’s a win for the continent too.

This post originally appeared on the HealthTech Hub Africa blog on August 20, 2025.

Joanne Peter is the Director of the Innovation Hub at Jhpiego.