Are you an innovator in HealthTech, Pharmaceutical Research & Development (R&D), WASH, or Non‑Communicable Diseases (NCDs)? The CoElevate SFH Access Catalytic Fund Mechanism has officially opened its application window today, offering West African entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to secure funding, mentorship, and ecosystem support to scale their health innovations.
CoElevate, established by SFH Access to Health LTD/GTE, operates under the philosophy “Africans Investing in African Innovation (AI)².”
The initiative focuses on funding African‑led innovations that improve health outcomes, provide practical solutions for clean water and sanitation, and advance local drug development and manufacturing. This opportunity complements broader youth empowerment efforts such as FMYD’s Waste to Wealth training, which equips Nigerian youths with circular‑economy and entrepreneurship skills.
The currently active fund, Fund 2: WASH & Pharma R&D Innovation Fund, targets registered West African ventures in WASH and pharmaceutical R&D. Eligible startups can receive USD $5,000–$10,000 in milestone‑linked catalytic capital, disbursed in tranches according to agreed deliverables.
Equity partnerships are negotiable and tailored on a case‑by‑case basis. Like other empowerment schemes, this funding aims to unlock innovation and enterprise growth across Nigeria and the region.
“CoElevate is more than just funding ideas,” said the CoElevate team. “We provide catalytic capital, sector‑specific mentorship, and access to networks that help innovators validate faster, build stronger, and scale sustainably across West Africa.” This approach resonates with initiatives such as NiYA Gigs, which offers digital work opportunities to Nigerian youths as an income and skills pathway.
Applicants gain access to an Advisory Collective of leaders across health, science, policy, and venture building, as well as ecosystem connections with regulators, health systems, and pilot sites, accelerating adoption and real‑world validation of their solutions.
For innovators working to boost their digital or entrepreneurial capabilities, programs like NITDA’s DL4ALL digital literacy campaign can also provide valuable skills that support venture development.
Bill Gates, co‑founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, applauded the initiative, stating, “We have long partnered with talented people and organizations hard at work in Nigeria. The Society for Family Health increases access to family planning options through drug shops and community pharmacies. These are just a few of the many partners improving and saving lives in Nigeria.” This emphasis on partnerships highlights the importance of cross‑sector collaboration, similar to empowerment programs like YouthCred’s N5m loan window for Nigerian youth seeking structured credit and business support.
How to Apply for CoElevate Funding
To apply for the CoElevate SFH Access Catalytic Fund, you must first create an account and register your company. Only registered West African companies are eligible.
Steps to create your CoElevate profile:
Visit the CoElevate application portal via: https://coelevate.sfhaccess.com
Fill in your full name, work email, and password. Confirm your password.
Select the active fund that matches your innovation: Fund 2: WASH & Pharma R&D Innovation Fund.
Funding: USD $5,000–$10,000 milestone-linked catalytic capital, disbursed in tranches based on deliverables.
Equity: Partnerships are negotiable, tailored case-by-case.
Focus areas: WASH, Pharma R&D.
(Optional) Enter an invitation token if you have one.
Click Create Account. If you’re already registered, simply Sign In.
After submission, applications are reviewed within two weeks. Startups not selected in this round may reapply in future cycles. For other leadership and empowerment opportunities, young Nigerians can also explore the Dr. Fola Aina Fellowship, which builds leadership and governance skills among emerging leaders.
CoElevate accelerates African health innovation by providing catalytic funding, mentorship, and ecosystem access. The initiative supports ventures across HealthTech, WASH, NCDs, and Pharmaceutical R&D to improve health outcomes and scale impactful solutions across West Africa.
Are you ready to transform health outcomes in West Africa? Don’t miss your chance to access funding, mentorship, and strategic networks through CoElevate SFH Access Catalytic Fund.
Apply now at https://coelevate.sfhaccess.com and kickstart your innovation journey!
For inquiries, innovators can contact coelevate@sfhaccess.org or call +2348155540007.
For more updates on youth empowerment programs, grants, and opportunities in Nigeria, stay tuned to CutOffMark.NG—your go-to resource for the latest initiatives shaping the next generation of innovators.
