News and Updates

Discover the latest developments and updates from the Collaborative.

News & Events

Photo of John Nyagaka

Chair, Young Leaders' Table

University of Toronto

Photo of Lisa A. Robinson

, MD, FRCPC, FASN, FCAHS

Dean of Medicine, Vice-Provost Relations with Health Care Institutions, Temerty Faculty of Medicine

University of Toronto

Photo of Joshua Ebinabo

Program Manager, African Impact Initiative

African Impact Challenge

Photo of Osaretin Obano

Executive Director, African Impact Initiative

African Impact Challenge

African Impact Challenge

African Impact Challenge, The BRIDGE, University of Toronto, University of Toronto Scarborough

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Photo of Osasere Imafidon

Marketing and Communications Associate

African Impact Challenge

Photo of Charles Isidi

Marketing and Communications Lead

African Impact Challenge, University of Toronto

Profile
John Nyagaka headshot for Africa Health Collaborative

John Nyagaka

Chair, Young Leaders' Table

University of Toronto

John Nyagaka is a recent graduate of the Master of Health Informatics at the University of Toronto as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar.

He is from Kenya, and his journey has taken him across Africa and internationally.  He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Ashesi University in Ghana. Furthermore, he has had the privilege to develop hands-on professional expertise in digital health, data science, education, technology, and financial services.

Profile
Lisa A. Robinson of the University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine and Africa Health Collaborative

Lisa A. Robinson, MD, FRCPC, FASN, FCAHS

Dean of Medicine, Vice-Provost Relations with Health Care Institutions, Temerty Faculty of Medicine

University of Toronto

Dr. Lisa Robinson began her service as Dean of the Temerty Faculty of Medicine (Temerty Medicine) and the Vice Provost, Relations with Health Care Institutions at the University of Toronto (U of T) on July 1, 2024.

She is a Professor in the departments of paediatrics, biochemistry, and the Institute of Medical Science at U of T. She is also a Staff Physician and former Head of the Division of Nephrology at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and a Senior Scientist in the Program in Cell Biology at the SickKids Research Institute. Her research integrates molecular biology, cell biology, advanced microscopic techniques, and biochemical approaches to advance the understanding and treatment of kidney disease. Dr. Robinson holds a Canada Research Chair (CRC) Tier 1 in Vascular Inflammation and Kidney Injury.

In addition to her focus on research and innovation, Dr. Robinson has a deep commitment to education and mentorship. She is the founder and former director of Kids Science, a SickKids Research Institute program that provides opportunities for middle- and high-school students to improve their understanding of science and technology, and to make positive educational and career choices. In 2014, she launched the Student Advancement Research (StAR) Program, a SickKids summer research program for high school students.

Profile
Joshua Ebinabo

Joshua Ebinabo

Program Manager, African Impact Initiative

African Impact Challenge

Joshua Ebinabo is the Program Manager for the African Impact Initiative’s flagship program, the African Impact Challenge. He works closely with cross-functional teams to plan and execute the program, ensuring a seamless experience for founders from application through acceleration.

In his role, Joshua has led the transformation of the program’s bootcamp, redesigning and upgrading its structure to provide stronger resources, clearer pathways, and greater value for participating founders. He oversees program timelines, stakeholder coordination, mentor engagement, and performance tracking, ensuring milestones are met and outcomes are impact-driven.

Through strategic planning and continuous improvement, Joshua strengthens the African Impact Challenge as a high-impact accelerator for emerging entrepreneurs across Africa.

Profile
Osaretin Obana

Osaretin Obano

Executive Director, African Impact Initiative

African Impact Challenge

Osaretin Obano is a dedicated innovator and ecosystem builder passionate about transforming healthcare entrepreneurship in Africa. As Executive Director at the African Impact Initiative, University of Toronto, he plays a pivotal role within the Africa Health Collaborative, where he focuses on turning visionary ideas into tangible, life-changing healthcare ventures.

With a strong background in technology, business development, and startup investing, he applies a practical, results-driven approach to supporting early-stage health innovators. His work involves nurturing high-potential healthcare startups, fostering strategic partnerships, and providing the tools and guidance needed to scale impactful solutions across the continent.

Through the Africa Health Collaborative, he bridges the gap between entrepreneurial ambition and real-world implementation, helping to build sustainable ventures that address critical healthcare challenges. His efforts are centered on creating lasting impact by empowering entrepreneurs who are poised to redefine health outcomes in African communities.

Profile

Osasere Imafidon

Marketing and Communications Associate

African Impact Challenge

Osasere Imafidon is a Marketing and Communications Associate at the African Impact Initiative, supporting the execution of marketing strategies for key programs including the African Impact Challenge (Health Entrepreneurship & Country Innovation). She strengthens AII’s brand presence by promoting events, partnerships, and initiatives through strategic, multi-platform storytelling.

Working cross-functionally across communications, design, and programs, she develops compelling content, streamlines marketing processes, and supports campaigns that expand the organization’s visibility across African and international markets.

Passionate about meaningful impact, Osasere is committed to fostering spaces where individuals and communities can thrive through collaboration and purposeful action.

Profile

Charles Isidi

Marketing and Communications Lead

African Impact Challenge

Charles Isidi is a strategic marketing and partnerships leader driving innovation and entrepreneurship across Africa. At the African Impact Initiative, he leads marketing and communications for the African Impact Challenge (Health Entrepreneurship & Country Innovation), positioning AII as a leading platform for healthcare and cross-sector innovation.

He executes high-impact campaigns that showcase AII’s mission and success stories across Africa and the diaspora, while developing tailored marketing materials and overseeing multi-channel strategies to expand visibility and engagement. Charles also builds strategic partnerships with NGOs, government agencies, and corporate sponsors—securing funding and supporting program launches and sector expansion.

Through cross-functional leadership and strategic storytelling, he aligns brand growth with organizational impact, helping scale AII’s reach across African and international markets.