Health Tech Challenge final in Lomé showcases digital innovation for Togo’s healthcare system

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

The grand finale of the Health Tech Challenge has been held in Lomé, bringing together key stakeholders to showcase innovative digital solutions aimed at transforming Togo’s healthcare system.

The event, which took place at the Sarakawa Hotel, marked the culmination of a nationwide competition focused on advancing digital health innovation. It attracted startups, healthcare professionals, policymakers, development partners and members of the public.

Cina Lawson, Minister of Public Service Efficiency and Digital Transformation

The ceremony was attended by senior government officials including Cina Lawson, Minister of Public Service Efficiency and Digital Transformation, Jean-Marie Koffi Tessi, Minister of Health, Public Hygiene, Universal Health Coverage and Insurance, and Aristide Afèignindou Gnassingbé, Minister Counselor and National Coordinator of Digital Health. Also present was Claudius Fischbach, underscoring international support for the initiative.

During the final stage, ten selected teams pitched their solutions before a jury of experts and public decision-makers. The innovations addressed critical areas such as medical data security and interoperability, patient triage and referral systems, remote monitoring of chronic diseases, and the use of artificial intelligence to improve medical diagnosis.

At the end of the competition, SILINA TECH was awarded the top prize for its SILINA MRS software, a comprehensive solution for managing medical records, pharmacy operations and billing, designed to function even in low-connectivity environments. NOVA HEALTH secured the second prize for its coordination platform that integrates a mobile application for patient orientation with a web-based inter-hospital transfer system.

The third prize for best pitch went to TogoHealth Innovators for MedTriage, a web-based system that automates clinical triage and provides real-time visibility of healthcare facility capacity. The public prize was awarded to the KONDZIMO/EXCELSIS team for developing an intelligent system that directs patients to appropriate health facilities.

The Health Tech Challenge was jointly organised by the Ministère de l'Efficacité du Service Public et de la Transformation Numérique and the Ministère de la Santé, de l'Hygiène publique, de la CSU et des Assurances, with support from the Réseau des Acteurs de la Santé Numérique au Togo and ProDigiT of GIZ. The initiative was co-financed by international partners including the European Union and the Government of Luxembourg.