UNFPA STRETCH Programmes
The UNFPA Stretch Programmes aim to mobilize community support for innovators to champion the campaign against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Mental Health (MH), Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (ASRHR), and Early and Uninterrupted Pregnancy (EUP). By identifying innovative solutions and building the capacity of hubs, the initiative plays a crucial role in tackling pressing social issues across East and Southern Africa.
Funded by UNFPA East and Southern Africa Regional Office (UNFPA ESARO), and implemented by AfriLabs, the programme ran from February 2022 to November 2024, supporting young innovators to develop sustainable, market-ready solutions that address critical health and rights challenges. The impact of the programme is evident in its key achievements. Over 90 young innovators were engaged, with 20 finalists advancing to bootcamp, incubation, and consultation phases. This engagement has provided them with essential mentorship, funding, and market insights, enabling them to refine and scale their innovations. Among the programme’s successes, 10 startups have developed Minimum Viable Products (MVPs), four of which have successfully launched into the market. Additionally, four startups under the We Scale Hacklab and Mental Health & ASRHR programs have received a total of $60,000 in scale and seed funding. These investments have helped startups expand their market reach and impact. Market validation has been another critical component, with 10 startups refining their business models through direct customer feedback. As a result, four startups have established a stable customer base, while another four have successfully secured follow-on funding. These milestones underscore the programme’s role in preparing startups for long-term sustainability and investment readiness. The programme has made significant contributions to addressing real-life challenges in Africa by tackling gender-based violence and reproductive health issues through innovation. Initiatives like the “We Scale” and “Mental Health and
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