Investing in Innovation Africa (i3) targets $30 million in deals by supporting seven health tech startups with up to $225,000 each to revolutionize pharmacy services across 19 African nations
Investing in Innovation Africa (i3), a prominent program focused on advancing healthcare solutions across the continent, has announced its third cohort, backing seven promising health tech startups with funding of up to $225,000 each.
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This strategic investment aims to overhaul pharmacy services across 19 African nations, with a projected deal value of $30 million.
The selected startups for this cohort are Chefaa, Dawa Mkononi, Meditect, mPharma, myDawa, RxAll, and Sproxil.
These innovative companies are leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as AI-powered prescription refills, efficient last-mile delivery systems, and robust cloud-based management platforms to address critical challenges within Africa’s pharmacy sector.
i3 highlights the pivotal role of pharmacies in African healthcare, noting that they handle approximately 70 per cent of initial healthcare visits.
Therefore, enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of pharmacy services is crucial for improving overall healthcare access.
The three-year i3 program, sponsored by the Gates Foundation, MSD, Cencora, and other key partners, aims to forge 150 impactful partnerships to significantly boost healthcare outcomes and generate employment opportunities across the continent.
These seven startups, operating in diverse markets spanning from Nigeria to Kenya, will have the opportunity to pitch their solutions at i3’s upcoming access to markets event in December 2025.
This event will provide a platform for them to connect with global healthcare firms and governments, fostering collaborations that can scale their impact and drive substantial economic growth within their respective operating regions.
Boniface Njenga, Deputy Director, Health Delivery and Systems, Africa at the Gates Foundation, emphasized the program’s significance, stating, “As the global health landscape continues to rapidly shift, we remain committed to supporting innovative solutions and initiatives that strengthen local health systems across Africa.
The i3 program emphasises the transformative potential of technology-driven innovations on the continent when empowered with the right resources, and we have already seen impressive results from the cohorts.”
Dr. Priya Agrawal, Vice President, International Health Equity and Partnerships at MSD, added, “Now more than ever, investing in local healthcare businesses is essential for securing effective and sustainable medicine and vaccine distribution across Africa.
MSD is committed to partnering with i3 to support entrepreneurs who are dedicated to expanding equitable healthcare access.
By engaging the local private sector and meeting patients where they are, we can enhance access and strengthen health systems through fostering innovation in pharmacy services.”
Dr. Ashifi Gogo, CEO and Founder at Sproxil, remarked on his company’s selection, “It is an honour to be selected as part of the i3 cohort focused on growth-stage companies.
The support of leading global life sciences and logistics companies, alongside forward-thinking foundations, is encouraging as we scale our impact.
The i3 program continues to differentiate itself through the transformative power of local innovation, and I am eager to see the significant impact this cohort will undoubtedly make.”
Over the past two years, i3 has reported providing $3 million in direct grant funding to 60 startups across 16 African countries.
The program has also fostered a diverse ecosystem of innovators, with 43 per cent being women-led and 20 per cent Francophone-led.
Notably, i3 has facilitated 450 strategic connections, resulting in 122 contracts and pilot projects, generating $11 million in contracted partnerships, expanding market reach, and creating nearly 1,000 jobs, half of which are held by women.
