Youth Digital Health expo launches to drive innovation in young people’s well-being

A new national initiative to advance the health of young people through digital innovation was announced today with the launch of the Youth Digital Health Expo 2025. Scheduled for 11 December 2025, the one-day event will bring together youth organisations, tech innovators, startups, civil society partners and funders to explore and accelerate digital health approaches to strengthen sexual and reproductive health and rights, mental health and broader wellbeing of young people.  

Hosted by United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) South Africa with supporting partners Reach Digital Health, Girl Effect and Shout It Now, the Expo is designed to strengthen collaboration across the digital health ecosystem and advance a shared vision for accessible, youth-centred health services. The convening will explore how emerging technologies, user-centred design and sustainable implementation strategies can inform and support the NDoH’s long-term digital health priorities.

Digital innovation offers an unprecedented opportunity to expand access to vital health resources, support and services - particularly for young people. By facilitating meaningful dialogue between government and youth-focused organisations, showcasing digital tools, new technologies, platforms and research, amplifying authentic youth voices and perspectives to shape solutions that reflect their realities and sparking new collaborations, the Expo aims to strengthen cross-sector partnerships and co-create an actionable roadmap for scalable, youth-centred digital health solutions in 2026 and beyond.

The programme will include a series of focused sessions integrating lightning talks, conversations with leaders across the sector and open audience participation. Insights, recommendations and contributions from the Expo will inform a comprehensive report for partners, funders and implementers.

“South Africa has a strong foundation for digital health innovation, but the next phase requires collective action. This Expo is about bringing partners, innovators and government together to align around a shared vision for improving sexual and reproductive health and rights, while also exploring links to mental health and overall youth wellbeing.  By creating a space for collaboration and honest dialogue, we can accelerate solutions that are scalable, equitable and grounded in the realities of those we aim to serve.” says Thulani Mbatha, Assistant Representative/Head of Programs at UNFPA South Africa.

Organisations, innovators, youth advocates, startups, technologists, programme implementers, researchers, funders and policymakers working in digital health, youth development, sexual and reproductive health and rights, or mental health are encouraged to register and attend. Space is limited and early registration is recommended.

The event is free to attend for organisations working in the sector. Registration is essential via the Eventbrite page by visiting https://bit.ly/YDHE25

The Expo invites startups, youth-led initiatives, NGOs, digital innovators, research teams and programme implementers to apply to showcase their work and share ideas, tools and approaches that support the health and futures of young people at the Expo section of the event. Applications can be made by visiting YouthExpoApplication.

A full programme and speaker lineup will be shared in early December.