South Africa is preparing for a landmark moment in youth wellbeing with the launch of the Youth Digital Health Expo 2025, a national initiative designed to unite innovators, researchers, youth organisations, and leaders behind a shared mission: advancing the health of young people through digital innovation.
Set to take place on 11 December 2025, the one-day Expo will convene the country’s most forward-thinking minds across health, technology, and youth development. Hosted by UNFPA South Africa in partnership with Reach Digital Health, Girl Effect, and Shout It Now, the event aims to accelerate digital solutions that strengthen sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), mental health, and the broader wellbeing of young people—while shaping an actionable path for digital health transformation in 2026 and beyond.
A national push for youth-centred digital health
Digital innovation is reshaping the future of healthcare, especially for young people who increasingly turn to online platforms for information, support, and services. The Youth Digital Health Expo recognises this shift and seeks to harness it.
By bringing together government stakeholders, youth voices, innovators, startups, civil society partners, and funders, the Expo aims to:
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Showcase cutting-edge digital tools, platforms, technologies, and research
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Strengthen collaboration across the digital health ecosystem
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Amplify authentic youth perspectives to shape solutions that reflect lived realities
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Spark new cross-sector partnerships
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Support alignment with the National Department of Health’s long-term digital health priorities
This is more than a gathering — it’s the start of co-creating a national roadmap for scalable, equitable, youth-centred digital health solutions.
Insights, ideas, and voices shaping the future
The programme features:
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Lightning talks from innovators and specialists
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Focused sessions that unpack emerging technologies and design strategies
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Sector-wide conversations with leaders from health, tech, and youth development
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Interactive discussions encouraging audience participation and shared learning
A comprehensive report summarising insights, recommendations, and contributions will be developed for partners, funders, and implementers — ensuring the day’s dialogue becomes actionable direction.
“The next phase requires collective action”
“South Africa has a strong foundation for digital health innovation, but the next phase requires collective action,” says Thulani Mbatha, Assistant Representative/Head of Programmes at UNFPA South Africa.
“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.”
Who should attend — and how to join
Organisations, researchers, funders, youth advocates, technologists, programme implementers, startups, policymakers, and innovators working in digital health, SRHR, mental health, or youth development are invited to attend.
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Attendance: Free for organisations working in the sector
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Registration: Essential — via Eventbrite at https://bit.ly/YDHE25
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Showcase applications: Startups, NGOs, youth-led initiatives, digital innovators, and research teams can apply to exhibit their tools and ideas at https://bit.ly/YouthExpoApplication
Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged.
A full programme and speaker lineup will be released in early December.
