The Health Entrepreneurship (HENT) Challenge’s first cohort is getting ready for their upcoming visit to Toronto, where they will continue their implementation phase through activities targeting business development, expanding entrepreneurial networks and facilitating exposure to potential investors.
In the meantime, the HENT Communications team caught up with the ventures from the first HENT Challenge cohort to learn more about the origins of their companies, what they’ve learned to date, and what is coming up next…
ATradezone
Prior to starting ATradezone, founder Depute Alphonse Ndayizeye, observed the fragmentation between Africa’s many manufacturing companies. He noted that existing, traditional platforms caused business owners frustration and did little to solve the problem at hand. Alphonse knew that it takes a lot of effort to piece together multiple services to effectively run businesses.
Furthermore, he observed that the issue had resulted in a complicated supply chain and sourcing, which led to slower and more expensive processes. Alphonse set out on a mission to solve these supply chain and market penetration challenges by leveraging blockchain and Artificial Intelligence-powered technology in their platform solution. The solution allows manufacturers to optimize internal processes from production to supply chain and sales management operations. It also provides product performance traceability and product monetisation in the supply chain process.
While in Canada with the 2022 HENT Challenge Delegation, Alphonse has been actively pursuing a co-founder to join forces with him. Through this collaboration, he aims to establish the incorporation of his business and drive its expansion within the Canadian healthcare industry, with a specific focus on those entering the African market.
What is the accomplishment to date that your team is most proud of?
Since ATradezone’s launch in 2021, the venture has on-boarded 554 registered manufacturers as customers, generated upwards of 60,000 transactions, and earned a revenue of $55,000 from an initial $19,000 investment.
If you could give advice to another founder getting started, what would that be?
“Doing entrepreneurship is not an easy thing! It requires a strong team with hard work and persistence after defining a clear vision and mission for your company.”
With the potential to capture at least 40% of global trade by 2030, ATradezone is planning to expand their services to the East African Community within the next 12 months, before rolling out their product to the remainder of Africa. Through their expanding work, they hope to increase intra-African trade from 19% to 50% by 2030.
You can learn more about ATradezone by visiting their website.
You can learn more about ATradezone
More News & Events
Skip scroller content
Beyond the Pitch: The Stories Driving FemSTEM Africa 2025
In Kigali, six women took the stage — each carrying a story shaped by experience. From newborn survival to menstrual health and maternal care, their ventures were more than ideas; they were solutions born from lived realities.
Building Community-Led Health Futures in Cape Town
Learn about how the University of Cape Town is partnering with communities in South Africa to co-create health solutions for better health outcomes
2026-2027 Graduate Scholarships Open at the University of Toronto
We are pleased to announce the start of the 2026-2027 Mastercard Foundation graduate scholarship recruitment at the University of Toronto. This scholarship opportunity is open to recent alumni and graduating students at our Africa Health Collaborative partner universities. These graduate scholarships will be awarded to those individuals who have demonstrated academic excellence in the associated health-related […]
Displaced into Purpose: From Kakuma Refugee Camp to the World Health Organization
This is the story of a young person’s journey from Kakuma Refugee Camp to the WHO – showing how lived experience can drive innovation in global health My name is Kuol Maper Alier. I was born in South Sudan, but my early life was shaped by displacement, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of purpose. I […]
Internship Opportunities Open in Ghana
The Africa Health Collaborative Secretariat is seeking two interns based in Ghana to support the communications team. See details of the two roles below. Communications Associate Position Overview The Communications Associate will play a key role in driving Africa Health Collaborative’s visibility and storytelling efforts. This individual will research priority health topics, engage partners and program leads, […]
2026-2027 Doctor of Public Health Scholarships Open
We are pleased to announce the start of the 2026-2027 Mastercard Foundation graduate scholarship recruitment at the University of Toronto. This doctoral scholarship opportunity is open to recent alumni and graduating students at our Africa Health Collaborative partner universities. These graduate scholarships will be awarded to individuals who have demonstrated academic excellence in associated health-related disciplines […]
AfyaFest 2025
Hosted by Amref Health Africa Who Can Participate Participants will include invited student-led teams and early-stage entrepreneurs from Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Ethiopia, Senegal, Zambia, and Canada—ensuring a rich mix of perspectives and experiences. The Experience Three days. One goal: Transform ideas into impact. FAQ We’re spotlighting solutions in four urgent health priorities: Maternal […]
Artificial Intelligence & the Future of Healthcare in Africa
Amid shifting global dynamics, higher education institutions have a powerful opportunity to lead a new era of innovation in primary healthcare (PHC) systems. In the next episode of the Health in Africa Series, we explore practical strategies that academic institutions can apply to strengthen PHC systems, especially in resource-constrained settings.
Africa’s Health Workforce Crisis: Insights from Ethiopia
Amid shifting global dynamics, higher education institutions have a powerful opportunity to lead a new era of innovation in primary healthcare (PHC) systems. In the next episode of the Health in Africa Series, we explore practical strategies that academic institutions can apply to strengthen PHC systems, especially in resource-constrained settings.
Mental Health and Identity for Students Studying at Home & Abroad
Amid shifting global dynamics, higher education institutions have a powerful opportunity to lead a new era of innovation in primary healthcare (PHC) systems. In the next episode of the Health in Africa Series, we explore practical strategies that academic institutions can apply to strengthen PHC systems, especially in resource-constrained settings.