2027 Global Mental Health Africa Conference – Innovation Fair

The Mental Health Innovation Network (MHIN) and Science for Africa Foundation (SFA) is pleased to announce an Innovation Fair as part of the 3-day Global Mental Health Africa Conference (#GMHAC2027), taking place in-person in 8 - 10th February 2027 in Nairobi, Kenya.

Selected innovators will be sponsored to attend the #GMHAC2027 and will work with the MHIN technical team to develop innovation pitches which include a case study, infographic, policy briefs, press release and photo story in the run up to the conference.

Call for Innovators for the #GMHAC2027 Innovation Fair

We invite innovation submissions for showcase presentations from regional mental health innovators, including researchers, practitioners, policymakers, people with lived experience and implementers, to present their innovative projects, research, and initiatives that contribute towards the advancement of mental health landscape in Africa.

Innovation approaches

- Innovative Mental Health Interventions: Novel approaches to mental health care, including digital health solutions, community-based interventions, prevention and promotion programmes, service delivery and implementation.

- Policy and Advocacy: Effective policy initiatives and advocacy efforts that have led to significant improvements in mental health systems, services and financing (including lived experience advocacy and shifting power) and rights-based Capacity building to support this.

- Research and Evaluation: Evidence-based studies and evaluations that provide insights into the effectiveness of mental health programs and interventions.

Eligibility

- Submissions are open to individuals and organizations working on projects in Africa who are actively involved in mental health innovation.

- Innovations should be evidence-based and must have been previously evaluated.

- Multidisciplinary approaches and collaborations are highly encouraged.

We recognise that mental health is a broad field comprising many different topic areas targeting different population groups across the life course. Submissions are not restricted to any specific topic within mental health or specific population groups.

Send any questions to mhinafrica@gmail.com

Abstract Submission Deadline: 20th June 2026

Access the submission form in French -> https://tally.so/r/BzbYq5

Submission Form

Title of Innovation

Corresponding Author detail

Details of other authors/contributors

Which sector does the innovation span? (select all that apply)

Public Sector

Private sector

Academia

NGO

Civil Society (Community and other grassroot organizations)

Other

Which countries does your innovation cover? (Select all that apply)

How would you categorise your innovation? (select all the apply). Innovation that:

How would you categorise your innovation? (select all the apply). Innovation that:

Empowers People with mental health conditions

Diversifies workforce

Uses technology to improve access to mental healthcare

Identifies and treats mental health conditions early

Delivers services at home

Reduces premature mortality in people with mental health problems

Facilitates policy reform

Increases mental health literacy

Promote mental health and wellbeing

Financing mental health

Other

Which settings does your innovation cover? (select all that apply)

Urban

Rural

Community

Primary care hospital

Tertiary care hospital

Schools/colleges

Workplaces

Other

Innovation details

Each submission should highlight the problem addressed, the innovative solution, outcomes or expected outcomes, potential for scale and any supporting data or evidence.

Background rationale/problem statement (max 1500 characters)

Description of the innovation (Max 1500 characters)

The impact or expected impact, and its relevance to the mental health context in Africa (max 1500 characters)

Potential for impact and readiness for scale (max 1500 characters)

How would your innovation benefit from being featured in the fair?(max 900 characters)

List any publications/references/links related to the innovation

Untitled checkboxes field

If selected, I confirm that I/my innovation team will be available to work with the Innovation Fair technical team(with English as the working language) to develop innovation pitch materials during the period of Innovation Fair acceptance until February 2027.

I confirm that I (or another delegate from my innovation team) will be available for sponsored in-person attendance at the #GMHAC2027 innovation Fair (8-10th February 2027)