African Women In Healthtech – Tinotenda Bridget Njajawa

Across Africa, a new wave of innovators is redefining what it means to build for impact. Among them is Tino, a visionary who uses technology to close long-standing gaps in healthcare access. Her healthtech startup is a lifeline, transforming data, diagnostics, and digital tools into solutions that bring care closer to the people who need it most

Hi Tino, we are happy to have you join us today on this episode of Words That Count
Thank you so much for the invitation. I am happy to share my story.

Please give a brief introduction about yourself before we go into the depth of the session
My name is Tinotenda Bridget Njajawa from Zimbabwe. Currently, I am building a healthtech startup called Nyamukuta to educate health workers on maternal health. I am also the Managing Pharmacist at HealthLink Pharmacy, based in a small fishing town in Zimbabwe called Kariba.

Tell us about your journey into healthtech; what made you pursue this career path?
I was raised by parents who believed in education. They invested everything they had in my schooling to make sure I attended the best schools in the country.

Being at the top of my class throughout primary school earned me the nickname “chiremba” (meaning doctor in Shona) from family and friends. I followed that vision wholeheartedly and decided I would become a gynecologist. I studied Mathematics, Biology, and Chemistry for my A Levels. However, I didn’t achieve the required grades for medical school. As devastating as that felt at the time, a part of me was relieved. I knew that I loved science and the human body, but perhaps not medicine itself. What felt like a setback was actually the beginning of my self-discovery. It started the path to a career that truly aligns with my purpose.

That journey led me to pursue a Bachelor of Pharmacy at Rhodes University in South Africa, where I discovered my love for problem-solving. I was fascinated by Pharmacology, the study of how drugs interact with the body to restore balance. Looking back, I realize my love for Pharmacology mirrors my love for solving problems: the body feels pain, a signal is sent, you take a painkiller, and the pain goes away, problem solved.

I graduated with First Class Honors and returned to Zimbabwe, where I completed my internship and then qualified as a pharmacist. In May 2022, I was offered the opportunity to establish and manage a new pharmacy in Kariba, a small town I barely knew. It was both exciting and intimidating. I had to relocate and compete with three well-established pharmacies. It turned out to be one of the most rewarding challenges of my life, teaching me resilience, leadership, and the power of community.

My experience as a Community Pharmacist has exposed me to the challenges women in underserved areas face in accessing proper antenatal care. Many women cannot afford essential birth supplies, while others walk long distances to reach understaffed hospitals lacking critical resources. Building on this, I am now developing Nyamukuta, a gamified educational app designed to train maternal health workers in Africa through interactive learning and visual simulations. The app uses engaging, problem-solving games to strengthen skills in managing emergencies like hemorrhage, preeclampsia, and sepsis. My goal is to use innovation and technology to bridge knowledge gaps and ultimately reduce preventable maternal deaths.

That’s how I found my current purpose as a maternal health advocate and healthcare innovator.

This is a very good cause – thank you for thinking about and building for the community

What are some of the challenges you have faced during this healthtech innovation journey?
One of the biggest challenges I have faced is finding guidance in transitioning from pharmacy into the world of technology and data. There are moments when I question the feasibility of it all and weigh the financial costs of pursuing this change. That’s why I am grateful for platforms like this one that share the stories of women in STEM.

Another challenge has been balancing work and personal life. The demanding nature of my job as a pharmacist often means rest takes a back seat. It’s not always easy, but I have learned to see it as an investment in the bigger picture. It is a cost I am willing to pay to achieve my goals and make an impact.

As a new innovator, I’m also learning how to navigate the world of partnerships and funding. Finding the right investor who not only believes in my product but also protects my intellectual property has been a challenge. It’s a delicate balance between seeking support and safeguarding innovation.

As someone juggling healthtech innovation and your 9-5, what motivates you to keep going, especially when times get tough?
Not a single day goes by without an elderly lady or distraught mother delightfully thanking me for making them or their child better. In a day’s work, I provide a service and improve someone’s health. That is what motivates me: knowing that my work is impactful and I make people feel better every day.

Let’s talk about some of the most prestigious moments along this healthtech journey
My proudest achievement so far has been placing 2nd out of 84 applicants at the Falling Walls Lab Zimbabwe 2025. I presented my innovation, Nyamukuta. It was my first time designing an application and pitching in front of an audience, which made the recognition even more meaningful. The experience gave me a tremendous boost of confidence and reaffirmed my belief that innovation and technology can drive real change in healthcare. It also reminded me that even without a tech background, curiosity, persistence, and a clear purpose can open unexpected doors.

Obtaining my Bachelor’s degree with Distinction is definitely another proud moment.

Outside of the Pharmacy and Healthtech walls, how do you enjoy spending your time?
I am a loving sister and daughter to my siblings and parents. I love getting lost in a good fictional novel and letting my mind make the story come alive in my head, together with the author.

I’m also a travel enthusiast with far too many countries on my bucket list. I enjoy discovering new places, meeting people, and learning about different cultures. Traveling has taught me to embrace new perspectives and see the world with curiosity and openness. It’s something I definitely want to do more of in the coming years.

What is your favorite quote?
“Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve” ~ Napoleon Hill.

This quote reminds me that the power to reach the stars lies within us. Our thoughts shape our reality. When we focus on positivity and possibility, we attract growth, progress, and success. It’s a daily reminder to believe in myself and keep pushing forward, no matter the challenges.

As we close up, what are your words of encouragement for a young girl who is interested in healthtech?
Do everything in your power to achieve that goal. Don’t let doubt or comparison silence your potential. Keep learning and believing in the power of your mind. One day, you will look back and realize you became the woman you once dreamed of being.

Thank you for sharing your STEM journey, Tino! You have strengthened our belief that technology can be a force for equity in Africa’s health systems. We wish you all the best and look forward to seeing more of Nyamukuta in the near future.