March 21, 2023
Issue 1
In the News
Google Health AI team partners with Jacaranda Health and Right to Care to bring AI-powered healthcare services across Africa. Jacaranda Health, a nonprofit based in Kenya, will collaborate with Google to identify ways in which AI-powered ultrasound tools can be used to improve maternal outcomes. Similarly, their collaboration with Right to Care will enable AI-powered TB screening across Sub-Saharan Africa. Read more
Nigerian genomics startup, 54gene appoints new CEO, Ron Chiarello. 54gene aims to improve healthcare outcomes for people of African descent by leveraging advanced technology and building the world’s largest pan-African biobank to advance precision medicine. Former, CEO/co-founder, Abasi Ene-Obong, resigned last October due to undisclosed reasons. Chiarello will lead the company forward as they seek to raise more funding. Read more
Zipline’s medical drone delivery service brings tremendous improvements to healthcare delivery in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The company, which also operates in Rwanda and Ghana, announced its partnership with Kaduna State in June of 2022. Since then, the company has delivered over one million units of medical products to various areas of the state resulting in improved patient care. By creating immediate access to medical supplies, Zipline is helping to break down barriers to healthcare access. Read more
Kenyan digital health startup, Maisha Meds, meets with Makueni County delegation and Nairobi County Health, Wellness, and Nutrition team to share data and insights. Maisha Meds provides point-of-sale ordering and inventory software to pharmacies across Kenya. As its technology promotes transparency and accountability across the supply chain system, the startup is steadily growing its footprint in the public sector. Read more
Digital health startup, HealthTracka, partners with Nigeria’s Sterling Bank to provide female employees with HPV self sampling kits. HealthTracka enables convenient health testing with an online platform for at-home sample collections and quick digital results. As a follow up to International Women’s Day, the collaboration with Sterling Bank was to promote early detection and awareness about cervical cancer. With HealthTracka’s HPV kits and digital service, Sterling’s employees can collect their own cervical samples and receive results at their convenience. Read more
Did you miss it? Earlier this month, Nigerian startup, Doctoora Health, announced its acquisition by Evercare, a leading hospital in Lagos, Nigeria. The CEO, Dr Debo Odulana, will serve as the hospital’s new Chief Innovation Officer. Congrats to Doctoora!
Perspectives
How are African health tech startups silently disrupting the pharma industry? This Quartz article explains how various startups are transforming traditional pharmaceutical retail processes through e-commerce. Comparing African e-pharmacy efforts to that of Amazon, the article establishes the strengths of the African pharma distribution process and how its success has been driven by collaboration. Read more
Funds, Fundraising, & Opportunities
Reckitt, in partnership with the Health Innovation and Investment Exchange, launched their WiN FUND, a pioneering initiative that aims to support female entrepreneurs who are tackling pressing health issues in Africa. The applications opened September 2022, and, last week, they announced the organizations and startups that have been shortlisted. Notably, among the finalists were Nigeria’s Famasi Africa and Kenya’s Peleyta Health. Read more
Nigeria’s government launches a $618 million fund dedicated to the country’s technology and creative industries. In collaboration with many local and international partners, the fund aims to drive further innovation across the multi-billion dollar technology ecosystem. Read more
MENA VC, Flat6Labs, is venturing into East and West Africa with its new $95 million Africa Seed Fund. The fund aims to support 10 to 15 startups every six months through its seed program. It also plans to provide funding to a range of tech sectors, including health tech. Read more
The Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) is offering an innovation prize with a total value of up to $255,000. The application is open to all tech entrepreneurs with early stage innovative solutions in the following priority sectors: financial services, agriculture, health, education, manufacturing, logistics & e-mobility, e-commerce & marketplaces, renewables & power, and climate. Learn more
The Google for Startups Black Founders Fund is accepting applications from Black-led startups in Africa. The fund provides founders with capital, mentorship, product credits, and support. Applications are open until March 26th. Learn more
Who’s Hiring
🇳🇬 Clafiya is hiring a Product Designer and Business Development Manager.
🇰🇪 Access Afya is hiring a Commercial Director.
🇳🇬 EHA Clinics is hiring a Human Resources Coordinator.
Please reach out if you’re hiring and would like to add your listing!