Seven African startups chosen to revolutionize pharmacy care, supported by the Gates Foundation and other investors
The Investing in Innovation Africa (i3) program, a major grant funder for African healthtech startups, has announced the selection of seven startups for its third cohort. The program, launched in 2022, aims to close gaps in capital, visibility, and systems for promising African health innovations, with a focus on digital health solutions that prioritize gender and geographic equity [1].
The seven startups chosen for the third cohort are Chefaa, Dawa Mkononi, Meditect, mPharma, myDawa, RxAll, and Sproxil. These startups are working tirelessly to build tech-driven tools that make medicine access more efficient, affordable, and widespread [2].
The startups will receive up to $225,000 in grant funding, accompanied by tailored support to grow their pharmacy-focused innovations. The goal is to make pharmacy care smarter, faster, and more accessible [3].
Dr. Ashifi Gogo of Sproxil stated, "The support of leading global life sciences and logistics companies...is encouraging as we scale our impact." Similarly, Dr. Priya Agrawal of MSD expressed commitment to partnering with i3 to expand equitable healthcare access by investing in local healthcare businesses [4].
The startups will participate in i3's Access to Markets event in December 2025, aiming to forge 150 strategic partnerships and influence deals worth $30M. The event is expected to be a significant stepping stone for these startups [5].
Since its inception, the i3 program has facilitated 122 contracts and pilots. It has also funded a total of 60 startups over its first two years, with a grant total of $3M. Moreover, the program has helped create nearly 1,000 jobs, with half of them going to women [6].
Boniface Njenga of the Gates Foundation reiterated the foundation's commitment to supporting innovative solutions that strengthen local health systems across Africa [7].
While specific details about the innovations offered by the selected startups are not yet available, it is clear that the third cohort is poised to make a significant impact in the African healthcare landscape. The i3 program continues to be a beacon of hope for African healthtech startups, providing them with the necessary resources and support to bring their innovative ideas to life.
References: 1. i3 Program Overview 2. i3 Program Announcement 3. i3 Program Support 4. MSD's Commitment to i3 5. i3 Access to Markets Event 6. i3 Program Impact 7. Gates Foundation's Support for i3
- The seven startups, including Sproxil and MSD's Priya Agrawal, are funded by the i3 program to develop tech-driven health solutions, aiming to improve science and health-and-wellness services in Africa.
- As the i3 program moves forward, the third cohort of startups, such as Chefaa and RxAll, are working diligently to innovate in digital health technology, with a focus on gender and geographic equity in health and wellness.
