The healthcare technology industry took another step toward strengthening Africa’s future talent pipeline with the launch of the Africa-focused Smart Elevate Student Mentorship Program at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
The Smart Career Fair brought together students from various schools within the university to explore career pathways, gain mentorship, and understand the skills required to participate in Africa’s fast-growing health technology ecosystem.
The Smart Elevate Student Mentorship Program responds to a growing industry need for structured pathways that connect academic learning with workplace readiness. As healthcare systems across Africa continue to digitize, the demand for graduates with practical exposure, technical capability, and sector understanding has become increasingly urgent.
“Across Africa, the healthcare technology industry needs young people who understand both innovation and the realities of healthcare delivery. Investing in student mentorship is therefore not only a company priority, but an industry imperative. Through our initiative, students can move from career exploration to mentorship, internships, graduate training, and long-term contribution to the sector.” said Isaiah Mosiori, CEO, Smart Applications International, Kenya.
Industry-led graduate development programs have become increasingly important in preparing students for the demands of the healthcare technology sector. By combining structured training, practical exposure, and professional mentorship, these programs help graduates build the competencies required to support digital transformation across healthcare and insurance ecosystems.
For students, such pathways provide early exposure to workplace expectations, emerging technologies, and real industry challenges. For the sector, they help create a stronger pool of skilled professionals capable of supporting innovation, service delivery, and long-term growth across Africa.
The launch of the Smart Elevate Student Mentorship Program expanded this industry-facing talent development approach by creating a broader Africa-focused pipeline that began with the Smart Career Fair, where interested students from various schools within JKUAT registered and engaged with healthcare technology professionals. Participants will benefit from mentorship, career guidance, internship opportunities, and progression into graduate training, ultimately strengthening the human capital needed to advance Africa’s healthcare technology ecosystem.
“The Smart Elevate Student Mentorship Program reflects the broader need to develop African talent through structured learning, practical exposure, and professional growth. By guiding students through mentorship, internships, and graduate training, the industry can build a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals who contribute meaningfully to healthcare and technology transformation across the continent.” Said Jane Gikonyo, Group Human Resources Director, Smart Applications International.
“Partnerships between universities and industry are vital in preparing students for the realities of the modern workplace. Programs that give students access to mentorship, practical training, and career opportunities are especially important in critical and growing fields such as healthcare technology.” Said Prof. Robert Kinyua, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), JKUAT.
Building the next generation of healthcare technology talent.
The Smart Career Fair provided students with direct interaction with healthcare technology professionals, insights into emerging career opportunities, and guidance on the skills required to succeed in Africa’s healthcare technology sector. Students who expressed interest in the Smart Elevate Student Mentorship Program had the opportunity to register and begin a structured development journey.
The program strengthened the link between academia and industry by providing students with real-world exposure, mentorship from experienced professionals, and opportunities to progress into internships and graduate trainee positions. Ultimately, the initiative seeks to prepare participants for long-term careers in the broader African healthcare technology ecosystem.
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