about me
About Ota

Rooted in Strategy. Driven by Equity. Designed for Impact.

Ota Akhigbe is an internationally recognized leader in health systems strengthening, digital transformation, and public–private collaboration.

Currently Director of Partnerships and Programs at eHealth Africa, she brings over 16 years of cross-sector experience and a proven track record of leading high-value programs across the continent. Ota Akhigbe has been recognized among the Top 60 African Women in Development and Top 100 Career Women in Africa, and regularly engages at global convenings such as the Global Digital Health Forum, Africa Tech Festival, and UN CSW, where she contributes to advancing equity, systems innovation, and public–private collaboration through a grounded African lens.

A Journey of Impact and Innovation

When you travel across Africa, you see so much incredible talent, so many smart ideas brewing, and this powerful hunger for things to get better. And it hits you, imagine if all that energy was truly unleashed, starting with something as fundamental as everyone having access to decent healthcare.

That's the fire in my belly, that's what gets me up every morning. I'm Ota Akhigbe, and for more than 16 years now, I've been incredibly fortunate to work right where it matters, focusing on the things that truly shape everyday life, from better healthcare to stronger infrastructure and more economic opportunities. At eHealth Africa, I get to lead the charge on building strong partnerships and making sure quality programs actually reach the people who need them most, the kind of solutions that change lives.

Beyond my work at eHA, I also get involved in a few other things. I advise businesses on their strategies, especially when it comes to new ideas in healthcare, and I enjoy connecting leaders in different fields. You might also see my articles in BusinessDay Media, where I share my thoughts on what it takes to lead and how we can all grow.

I’ve been honored along the way, named one of the Top 60 African Women in Development in 2022, among the Top 100 Career Women in Africa for 2025, and recently as a finalist in both the Positive Role Model and Inclusive Leader categories for the Africa and Middle East Gender Mainstreaming Awards 2025.

The pieces are often there, the bright minds, the resources, the sheer will to help. But oftentimes they're scattered, not talking to each other. That's the knot I try to untangle. I bring the right people to the table, governments, innovators, NGOs with heart, and the local communities who know what they need, to build healthcare systems that truly serve people, and make those connections that last.

Why should this matter to you? Because a healthier Africa is not some far-off dream. It’s something we can build together to unlock the potential of a whole continent, more kids thriving in school, parents able to work and build their lives, communities that are strong and vibrant. It's a future we can actually touch.

What makes my approach a bit different? I don't simply do deals; I build relationships, trust, and shared purpose. And although technology is a powerful tool, it's the human element that drives everything. Listening, understanding, and empowering people along the way.

So, if you're someone who sees that same potential, if you have an idea, a resource, or even a belief in the power of working together, reach out. Let's see how we can connect what you bring to the table with what we're building. Because I truly believe that by connecting our strengths, we can make a significant impact.

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