UNITED NATIONS, September 26 — On September 24, prominent African-led organizations gathered for a pivotal side event during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80). Titled “African-led Innovation: Shaping Sustainable Futures With or Without Aid,” the event was organized in partnership with eHealth Africa, Population Services International (PSI), Population Council, and Reach Digital Health. This important dialogue highlighted the critical role of homegrown innovations in achieving sustainability—especially in the context of decreasing foreign aid and growing global inequalities.
The year 2025 has presented significant challenges for global development. The reduction of United States foreign aid has severely impacted many nations, crippling their ability to provide essential services such as healthcare, education, and nutritional support. Amid these hurdles, Africa is showcasing its potential for self-reliance, as governments, stakeholders, and the private sector collaborate on innovative solutions that emphasize sustainability and inclusivity.
Chernor A. Bah, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Information and Civic Education and a global advocate for youth empowerment, opened the event with an inspiring message. “We as Africans have always innovated, as part of who we are and the inequities that we have overcome,” he stated. “Today, there is a unique opportunity to establish self-reliance. We are the youngest continent on Earth and are full of incredible potential. We can build a society that is economically strong and socially just.”
The panelists unanimously agreed that Africa possesses the necessary tools to create a sustainable and equitable future, even without foreign aid. However, they stressed that realizing this vision requires the establishment of inclusive innovation systems that start with a community-centered approach.
Debbie Rogers, CEO of Reach Public Health, emphasized the importance of scalability in public health systems, advocating for designs that cater to the “lowest common denominator” and address issues affecting the majority. Michael Holscher, President of PSI, further stressed the need to incorporate the insights of those directly impacted by changes in public health systems. “Innovation works best when it’s designed close to the populations, people, and communities it’s meant to serve,” he asserted. “Solutions must be co-designed with community engagement to ensure long-term viability.”
Moreover, the discussions highlighted the necessity of prioritizing the voices of marginalized and vulnerable communities in sustainable development dialogues. Panelists particularly called for amplifying the perspectives of women and girls, often overlooked despite their critical contributions to African economies. According to the World Economic Forum, women and girls represent approximately 58 percent of the continent’s self-employed population and contribute 13 percent to its gross domestic product. Yet, they face disproportionate challenges, including gender-based violence, with one in four experiencing a violent encounter before turning 18.
Dr. Kemi DaSilva-Ibru, founder of the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), underscored the importance of addressing these inequities in the innovation process. “We must be mindful not to replicate the same inequities that we are trying to dismantle with this new innovation,” she said. “Inclusion must be embedded in the design of these innovations, ensuring accessibility for marginalized communities.”
The panelists also touched upon the critical importance of directing financial resources to the right stakeholders while maintaining effective and consistent communication between communities, governments, and the private sector. “Breakthroughs happen when there’s good collaboration across public and private sectors, civil societies, and those with expertise in technology, delivery, and policy,” Holscher noted, reaffirming PSI’s commitment to fostering African-led innovation for resilient health systems.
Fara Ndiaye, Deputy Executive Director of Speak Up Africa, emphasized the need for accountability within these collaborative efforts. She advocated for financing the appropriate stakeholders, promoting the right voices, and providing scientists with platforms to share their findings. “Accountability in this new era cannot be a one-way street where governments report upward and communities audit,” she stressed. “We must ensure structured engagement between governments and private sector companies, redistributing resources and redefining what success looks like.”
The high-level side event at UNGA80 served as a powerful reminder of the potential for African-led innovations to shape sustainable futures. As nations grapple with the effects of reduced foreign aid and increasing challenges, the emphasis on local solutions rooted in community engagement and inclusivity could herald a new era of self-reliance and prosperity for the continent.
