By Business Insider Correspondents, Nairobi
In a major strategic move to advance women’s health and unlock economic potential across Africa, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has officially launched the WomenX Collective Nairobi Hub.
The event took place on June 9 at the Aga Khan University Auditorium in Nairobi, marking a significant expansion of the global initiative dedicated to scaling innovative solutions for women and girls’ sexual and reproductive health.
The WomenX Collective – already launched in Berlin last year – is a groundbreaking network that brings together governments, health experts, innovators, and financiers to accelerate development and deployment of technologies, new service delivery models, and financing tools aimed at closing persistent gaps in care.
The Nairobi Hub is a partnership between UNFPA, the Government of Kenya, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and Aga Khan University.
It aims to establish Africa as a powerhouse of health innovation, attracting investments and fostering sustainable solutions that advance gender equity in health systems on the continent and beyond.
Strategic investment
Dr. Natalia Kanem, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNFPA, underscored the urgency of the initiative.
“Every minute, at least two women die globally from breast or cervical cancer, or pregnancy-related complications linked to inequitable healthcare access. Through the WomenX Nairobi Hub, we are investing in scalable solutions to ensure women and girls everywhere can access the care they deserve,” she said.
Supported by initial funding from major donors including the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) and Organon & Co., the collective aims to mobilize $100 million by 2030.
This investment is projected to avert millions of unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and maternal deaths, while catalyzing innovations tailored to diverse regional needs.
Strategically located within Nairobi’s vibrant health and technology ecosystem, the WomenX Hub is designed to unify research, scalable technologies, and innovative financing models.
The city’s unique position offers unparalleled opportunities to pilot and scale solutions that can reach millions of women and girls across Africa.
Dr. Nigina Muntean, Chief of Innovation and Transformation at UNFPA, described the hub as “more than a location – it’s a commitment to women-centered innovation that drives lasting social and economic returns.”
Leaders from the Kenyan government, Africa CDC, and Aga Khan University emphasized the importance of the initiative:
Dr. Mohamed Sheikh, Director General of Kenya’s National Council for Population and Development (NCPD), highlighted the program’s alignment with Kenya’s sustainable development goals, emphasizing empowerment of women as foundational to economic growth.
Dr. Mazyanga Lucy Mazaba, Regional Director for Africa CDC Eastern Africa RCC, called the hub “a transformative platform placing African leadership at the forefront of health innovation, crucial for resilient communities and public health.”
Dr. Anwar M. Shamji, Vice President of Aga Khan University, reaffirmed AKU’s commitment to leveraging research and local insights to develop sustainable, evidence-based health solutions.
Economic and social impact
Beyond health outcomes, the WomenX Collective is positioned as a catalyst for economic empowerment by improving access to healthcare technologies, creating jobs, and fostering entrepreneurship in the health sector.
The initiative also signals growing opportunities for investors seeking impactful ventures in African health innovation. As Africa continues to urbanize and digitalize, hubs like WomenX Nairobi exemplify how strategic partnerships and targeted investments can accelerate progress toward equitable, sustainable development.
