Africa’s i3 funds seven startups to strengthen healthcare systems

Investing in Innovation Africa (i3) is targeting $30 million in deals by backing seven health tech startups with up to $225,000 each to overhaul pharmacy services across 19 African nations, according to a statement to PUNCH Online on Wednesday.

The third cohort, including Chefaa, Dawa Mkononi, Meditect, mPharma, myDawa, RxAll, and Sproxil, offers tech solutions like AI-powered prescription refills, last-mile delivery, and cloud-based systems.

Pharmacies, handling 70 per cent of Africa’s initial healthcare visits, are key to access, i3 noted. Sponsored by the Gates Foundation, MSD, Cencora, and others, the three-year program aims for 150 partnerships to boost healthcare and jobs.

The startups, operating in markets from Nigeria to Kenya, will pitch at i3’s access to markets event in December 2025, eyeing ties with global healthcare firms and governments to scale impact and drive economic growth.

The Deputy Director, Health Delivery and Systems, Africa at the Gates Foundation, Boniface Njenga, commented,

“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.”

Vice President, International Health Equity and Partnerships, at MSD, Dr. Priya Agrawal noted, “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.”

The CEO and Founder at Sproxil, Dr Ashifi Gogo remarked, “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.”

In the past two years, i3 has disclosed it provided $3m in direct grant funding to 60 start-ups across 16 African countries.

The program has also established a diverse cohort of innovators, with 43 per cent being women-led and 20 per cent Francophone-led.

Finally, successes have recorded 450 facilitated strategic connections, including 122 contracts and pilots, resulting in $11m in contracted partnerships, expanded reach, and nearly 1,000 jobs created half of which were held by women.