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…
URUKUNDO Initiative
While conducting research in the USA in 2017 and reflecting on the state of health knowledge in Sub-Saharan Africa, Mick Ndayishimiye, Frederick Ntabana, Honore Isimbi and Christelle Giraneza noticed that youth in Sub-Saharan Africa (Rwanda inclusive) have huge information gaps around sexual reproductive health and mental health.
This had led to alarming health challenges among the youth population across the continent. Approximately 21 million teenagers become pregnant each year, with 12 million of these teenagers giving birth in developing regions. Additionally, youth in these regions often struggle with mental health, HIV/AIDS, and sexually transmitted infections.
In response to these findings, Ndayishimiye, Ntabana, Isimbi and Giraneza launched the URUKUNDO Life Skills Board Game by the URUKUNDO Initiative in mid-2021. This play-based solution is combatting the concerning and destructive problem of mental health and sexual health information gaps among Rwandan youth. Their aim is to deliver reproductive and mental health education by captivating youth through play-based learning. The team has since taken their product to schools, refugee camps and various youth networks, serving over 100,000 youth to date.
What is the accomplishment to date that your team is most proud of?
Since the launch of The URUKUNDO Life Skills Board Game, the URUKUNDO Initiative team has able to sell more than 600 packages and bring in approximately $12,000 of revenue from sales and reached the break-even point within their first year and a half of operations.
Moreover, the venture has won various local and international awards and grants, including those which enabled them to digitize their product and reach a wider audience. URUKUNDO Life Skills Board Game has proven tangible results in terms of both the growing sales and awards as well as the impact it has made in the community. The community impact is evidenced by data collected in pre-playing and post-playing surveys that have demonstrated 82.6% increase in knowledge acquisition among adolescents and youth using the product at school and other youth networks.
If you could give advice to another founder getting started, what would that be?
“The advice that we can give to another founder getting started is to solve a real problem for their customers. Make sure you understand your target audience and their needs and focus on developing a solution that addresses those needs in a unique and valuable way. Also, remember to surround yourself with talented, dedicated individuals who share your vision and are committed to helping you achieve your goals and connect with other entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry experts. It is a long and challenging journey, and there will be setbacks along the way. Stay focused on your goals, remain persistent, and keep pushing forward even when the going gets tough.”
Looking forward, The URUKUNDO Initiative is looking to scale across the continent, to serve their target market of 600 million. The venture also plans on launching the URUKUNDO Life Skills Board Game Mobile Application to reach across Africa, beginning with their established partnerships with schools, refugee camps, and youth centres who use their physical product.
You can learn more about URUKUNDO Initiative
More News & Events
Skip scroller content
Prof. Angela Owusu-Ansah’s Call to Uncover Africa’s Health Successes and Contributions
Delivered by Prof. Angela Owusu-Ansah, Provost of Ashesi University, this closing address at the 2026 Africa Health Collaborative Annual Convening outlines her key priorities for 2027 in her new role as Chair of the Executive Steering Committee.
Meet the Speakers Scheduled for the 2026 AHC Annual Convening
Meet the distinguished speakers of the 2026 Africa Health Collaborative Annual Convening as they share insights on health workforce development, leadership, innovation and partnerships shaping the future of health systems across Africa and empowering the next generation of health leaders.
Beyond the Agenda: Bringing Mental Health and Well-being into the 2026 AHC Annual Convening
At the 2026 Africa Health Collaborative Annual Convening, mental health and well-being move beyond discussion into practice. Through quiet spaces, art therapy, movement, and youth-led innovation, AHC is creating a convening experience that supports meaningful participation, connection, leadership, and lasting impact.
Meet the Ventures Showcasing at the 2026 Africa Health Collaborative Annual Convening
These ventures advancing primary healthcare, entrepreneurship and health systems strengthening across Africa will showcase their innovations at the 2026 Annual AHC Convening.
From Clinic to Country: Building Ethiopia’s First Integrated Model for Older Adult Health
What began with one doctor questioning fragmented care for older adults has grown into a pioneering model for Ethiopia. With leadership skills strengthened through the IMIx Certificate, Dr. Asrat built an integrated clinic now informing the country’s healthy aging efforts.
Apply for the Fully-Funded Healthy Futures South Africa (HFSA) PhD Fellowship Programme
This four-year programme supports emerging African health researchers and leaders to conduct community-focused research, strengthen health systems, and translate evidence into meaningful policy impact.
Ubuntu Rising Centres Youth Leadership, Innovation and Employment in Africa’s Health Future
More than 80 young health professionals, innovators and leaders gathered at Ubuntu Rising to advance youth leadership, innovation and employment. Their nine recommendations will inform the Africa Health Collaborative’s Youth Agenda and strengthen pathways for young people across Africa’s health ecosystem.
Advancing Health Equity in Africa: How Universities, Civil Society, and Communities Can Strengthen Primary Health Care
In the next HiAS, we explore how governments, universities, civil society and communities can work together to strengthen PHC and advance UHC in Africa, drawing on practical experiences, community engagement and lessons for building more equitable, resilient and people-centred health systems.
Emerging Leaders’ Day: From Youth Participation to Youth Influence
Emerging Leaders’ Day will bring together young health leaders from across Africa to build leadership skills, strengthen networks, and influence conversations shaping the future of health systems.
Leading Change Through Lived Experience
Across Africa, an emerging generation of health leaders is transforming personal challenges into powerful innovations. Through the AHC’s Young Leaders Committee, young researchers, entrepreneurs, technologists, and advocates are drawing on lived experiences with illness, caregiving, mental health, and healthcare inequities to design solutions that strengthen health systems and expand access to care.