In Summary:
- Kenya, Nigeria and Egypt are at the forefront of Healthtech and Health Startups in Africa.
- By the end of 2025, Africa’s healthtech market is expected to reach a market value of over $11 billion, with a significant growth rate of 23.08%.
- Telemedicine, mobile health apps, and electronic health records are anticipated to be the major drivers of the growth of healthtech in Africa.
- In this article, we have highlighted 35 top Healthcare startups across Africa. Some are getting global recognition for the first time.
Deep Dive!!
In 2023, Africa’s digital health market was valued at USD 3.8 billion and is projected to expand at a remarkable Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 23.4% between 2024 and 2030. This growth is driven by the urgent need to alleviate the strain on the region’s healthcare systems and the rapid development of digital technologies capable of diagnosing, monitoring, and treating health conditions remotely.
Expert reports and projections indicate that by 2025, Africa’s healthtech market will surpass $11 billion in value, growing at a robust rate of 23.08% to serve the continent’s 1.4 billion people. This highlights the immense potential for digital health solutions to address critical healthcare challenges, including infrastructure gaps and shortages of medical personnel. Key areas of focus include telemedicine, mobile health applications, and electronic health records, all of which are crucial to improving healthcare delivery in underserved regions.
This impressive growth is largely attributed to the rise of healthtech startups across Africa. These enterprises are pioneering digital health innovations and attracting substantial investment from both local and international sources, positioning the continent as a dynamic hub for transformative healthcare solutions.
Below, we have highlighted 33 Healthtech startups across Africa that are changing the narratives about the poor health sector in the continent. Check them out!
Here are 33 Healthtech Startups Disrupting the Medical Narratives in Africa
Note: The list is in no particular order
- Mydawa [Kenya]: Established in 2017, Mydawa is a telemedicine company focused on providing affordable, high-quality healthcare products and services across Africa. Its online platform acts as a marketplace that links pharmacies, healthcare providers, and patients, utilising technology to facilitate easy access to genuine medications and healthcare products. According to recent reports, Mydawa, the Kenyan online pharmacy has raised a total of $20 million in funding. With the funding, they acquired Guardian Health, a Ugandan retail pharmacy chain, to expand its reach.
- Ilara Health [Kenya]: Launched in May 2019 by Emilian Popa, Ilara Health delivers affordable and accessible diagnostic services to underserved populations in Africa, estimated at over 500 million people. The company partners with firms specialising in AI and robotics to reduce diagnostic costs, integrating their devices onto its platform. It supplies innovative diagnostic equipment to healthcare facilities, allowing them to pay in instalments. Ilara Health has raised a total of $4.2 million as at 2024 in funding through a debt-equity pre-Series A round, with an additional $1 million loan secured from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to further support their operations in Kenya.
- Zuri Health [Kenya]: Founded in 2020, Zuri Health is a telehealth provider dedicated to improving healthcare accessibility in Africa. Through its mobile app, users can consult with doctors, purchase medication, schedule diagnostic tests, and arrange in-person appointments, offering comprehensive healthcare solutions. The digital healthcare firm has raised $1.3 million over five rounds in seed capital to further develop its digital platform, expand its product offerings, and commence operations in additional areas across Africa.
- Dabadoc [Morocco]: Launched in 2013 by Zineb Drissi Kaitouni, Dabadoc connects patients with doctors to simplify the healthcare journey. In 2018, Axa Assurance Maroc and Orange acquired majority stakes in the startup. Earlier, in 2014, Seedstars recognised Dabadoc as Morocco’s top startup. It is on record that DabaDoc has raised funding from Venture Capitalists and donors like AXA, but the details of the total amount are unknown, as it is classified as a Venture round.
- REMA [Ivory Coast]: Sedric Degbo founded REMA (Réseau d’Échange Entre Médecins d’Afrique) in 2017 to reduce medical errors, a significant cause of deaths in Africa. Initially a social platform for doctors, it now provides remote medical assistance to over 7,000 doctors in countries such as Benin, Senegal, and Algeria. REMA won Seedstars’ pitch competition in Cameroon in 2018. Rema won the Seedstars Abidjan pitch event in October 2018 and has raised $4.5 million in seed financing.
- mPharma [Ghana]: Gregory Rockson established mPharma in 2013 with a vision to build Africa’s leading e-prescription network. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company secured $17 million in Series C funding. Its network includes over 850 pharmacies and 155 hospitals. According to available information, mPharma has raised a total of $95.3 million in funding across multiple rounds, making it one of the most funded startups in Africa.
- Helium Health [Nigeria]: Helium Health offers technology solutions to healthcare providers, including electronic medical records, telemedicine, and financial management tools. The platform also assists funders with enrolment, claims processing, and reporting to enhance efficiency. Helium Health has raised a total of $30 million in Series B funding. This funding round was announced in June 2023.
- DrugStoc [Nigeria]: DrugStoc, founded in 2015 by Chibuzor Opara and Adham Yehia, combats the issue of counterfeit medication in Africa. It leverages technology and supply chain innovations to ensure reliable access to authentic medicines, supporting healthcare providers with financial solutions and expertise. DrugStoc has raised a total of $4.4 million in funding, which was secured through a Series A funding round, with Africa HealthCare Master Fund (AAIC) as its leading investor. The company is seeking a series B investment round of USD 20 million in equity. CardinalStone Partners Limited advises DrugStoc on its $4.4 million Series A funding.
- MedSource [Kenya]: Established in 2017 in Nairobi, MedSource redefines healthcare access in Africa through its Med-Fin-Tech model. It operates a digital marketplace connecting distributors and manufacturers of healthcare products in East Africa, catering to all levels of the healthcare supply chain. As at 2025, MedSource Technologies has raised $220 million in seed funding., as stated in the MedSource Technologies Company Profile 2025 – PitchBook.
- MDaaS Global [Nigeria]: Launched in 2016 by Oluwasoga Oni, MDaaS (Medical Devices as a Service) aims to make quality healthcare more accessible through services like BaconHealth Diagnostics and SentinelX, a hybrid digital and physical health management platform. As of March 2024, MDaaS Global has raised a total of $3 million in pre-Series A funding. This round was led by Aruwa Capital and Newton Partners, bringing their total investment to $6.8 million.
- Bypa-ss [Egypt]: Founded by Dr Andrew Saad, Bypa-ss addresses the challenge of fragmented medical records. Its HealthTag platform enables seamless exchange of health information between patients and providers, improving care quality. According to a recent report by Wellfound, Bypa-ss has raised a total of $1 million in funding so far.
- DawaSwift [Kenya]: Established in 2018 by Odero Otieno, DawaSwift is an on-demand medicine delivery platform connecting patients, pharmacies, and delivery partners. Its AI-powered product, Healthipy, enhances engagement for insurers and pharmacies through tailored health solutions. DawaSwift has not disclosed the exact amount of funding it has raised so far; however, based on reports and industry insights, it is likely that they have secured a significant amount of funding, particularly focused on their early-stage development and expansion within the African healthcare market.
- MedsToGo [South Africa]: MedsToGo, founded in 2016 by Ebrahim Ally, offers a web and mobile pharmacy service ensuring easy access to medications through efficient delivery solutions. According to Cardinal Stone Partners Limited, DrugStoc has raised USD 4.4 million in Series A funding to expand access to quality medicines.
- Vezeeta [Egypt]: Launched in 2012 by Amir Barsoum and Ahmed Badr, Vezeeta is a leading healthcare booking platform and clinic management system, facilitating seamless doctor-patient interactions across the MENA region. Vezeeta has managed over three million bookings in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, served 2.5 million consumers, and connected more than 10,000 doctors in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kenya, Nigeria and Jordan. In February 2020, Vezeeta raised a $40 million Series D funding round.
- Dileny Technologies [Egypt]: Founded in 2018 by Dr Ahmed Ehab Mahmoud, Dileny Tech specialises in AI and medical imaging, improving breast health diagnostics through its BE-SMART platform, which enhances workflow efficiency for medical professionals. As at 2021, Dileny Technologies (DilenyTech) LLC has received $160 million non-equity seed funding.
- MedAtlas [Uganda]: MedAtlas connects patients to licensed specialists across Africa. Founded by Margaret Mutumba, it addresses inequality in access to specialist healthcare, empowering patients with convenient teleconsultation services. According to the recent MedAtlas – Valuation, Funding & Investors PitchBook, the startup has raised $50,000 in seed funding, with Waterloo Wellington, Velocity (University of Waterloo), and Concept (Competition) part of their major investors.
- Medsaf [Nigeria]: Co-founded by Vivian Nwakah and Temitope Awosika, Medsaf is an online pharmaceutical marketplace providing trusted medication to hospitals and pharmacies. With 160 recurring clients and over 100 supplier partnerships, it won the 2019 Seedstars Malaria Challenge. So far, Medsaf has raised a total of approximately $2.7 million in funding.
- Healthtracka [Nigeria]: Healthtracka enables home-based health screenings with results delivered within 1-3 days. Founded by Ifeoluwa Dare-Johnson, it offers tests for conditions like COVID-19 and STDs, ensuring accuracy and convenience. Healthtracka has raised a total of $1.5 million in funding so far, primarily through a pre-seed funding round.
- Africa Health Holdings [Ghana]: Through its MyCareMobile app, Africa Health Holdings offers teleconsultations, test results, and emergency response services to patients in Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya, serving over 200,000 users annually. Africa Health Holdings has raised a total of $18 million in funding, with their most recent round being a Series A funding round.
- Nawah Scientific [Egypt]: Nawah Scientific, launched in 2015, is Egypt’s first private multidisciplinary research centre for natural and medical sciences. It has analysed over 100,000 samples and serves as a cornerstone for Egypt’s pharmaceutical industry. Nawah Scientific has raised a total of $2.5 million in funding across multiple rounds, including pre-seed, seed, and pre-Series A rounds; they are currently looking to raise an additional $10 million in their upcoming Series A round.
- Goodlife Pharmacy [Kenya]: Established in 2013, Goodlife Pharmacy is a digital platform facilitating easy procurement and delivery of pharmaceuticals across Kenya and East Africa. Goodlife Pharmacy has raised approximately $18 million in funding so far, with LeapFrog Investments being their most significant investor.
- Eden Care Medical [Rwanda]: Founded in 2021, Eden Care Medical leverages digital technology to simplify health insurance access in Africa, providing innovative solutions for a better healthcare experience. Eden Care has raised funding over 1 round from 5 investors. Investors include Y Combinator, Team Ignite Ventures and 3 others. The funding amount was undisclosed.
- Rology [Egypt]: Founded in 2017, Rology links healthcare providers with remote radiologists on an on-demand basis, enabling hospitals to access radiology services efficiently and affordably. Rology has raised $860,000 in funding so far, which was secured in a Pre-Series A round led by HIMangel, with participation from Dubai Angel Investors, The Asia Africa Investment & Consulting (AAIC), and Saudi’s Athaal Group.
- RecoMed [South Africa]: RecoMed, a digital platform founded by Sheraan Amod, allows South African patients to book appointments with healthcare professionals, simplifying access to physical and virtual medical services. RecoMed has raised a total funding of $1.69 million over 5 rounds. Its first funding round was on June 01, 2014.
- Redbird Inc [Ghana]: Redbird equips pharmacies with rapid diagnostic testing capabilities for ten conditions, including malaria and cholesterol, improving health monitoring across Ghana. Redbird has raised a total funding of $8.1 million over 3 rounds from 9 investors. Investors include Alumni Ventures, Y Combinator and 7 others.
- 3X4 Genetics [South Africa]: This genetics-based health platform, founded by Dr Yael Joffe in 2018, combines advanced testing and analytics to help clients predict genetic diseases and make informed lifestyle choices. 3X4 Genetics has raised $2.5 million in funding from US venture capital firm Alethea Capital Management, which will allow them to relocate to the US and potentially receive additional funding during their next development phase.
- Healthlane [Cameroon/Nigeria]: Founded in 2020 by Alain Nteff, Healthlane connects users to affordable wellness services, promoting healthier lifestyles. It serves over 60,000 users and is backed by Y Combinator. So far, Healthlane has raised a total of $2.4 million in funding.
- Waspito [Cameroon]: Founded in 2020 by Jean Lobe Lobe, Waspito combines telemedicine, drug delivery, and health advice forums in a user-friendly app, aiming to make healthcare more accessible in Africa. As of November 2023, Waspito has raised a total of $5.2 million in funding, including a $2.5 million seed extension round, bringing their total seed round to that amount after initially raising $2.7 million.
- Medikea [Tanzania]: Medikea, established in 2020 in Tanzania, provides a subscription-based telemedicine service tailored to individual healthcare needs, supported by mobile and online platforms. The Tanzanian healthcare startup, has secured funding from Catalyst Fund, though the exact amount raised has not been publicly disclosed; however, the focus is on its ability to address climate-induced health crises in the region.
- Babylon Health Rwanda [Rwanda]: Known locally as Babyl, this telemedicine provider offers medical consultations via mobile devices, enabling wider healthcare access in Rwanda since 2016. Babylon Health, in its Series C funding round, raised a total of $550 million. This round was led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
- Wazi [Kenya]: Founded in 2018, Wazi is a mental health platform connecting users to virtual therapy sessions with professionals, ensuring privacy and accessibility for patients. The mental health platform has raised a total of $8 million in funding, which was secured in a seed round to support its cross-border payment services for African businesses; this funding includes both equity and debt financing.
- Lifesten Health [Rwanda]: Established in 2021, Lifesten Health promotes holistic wellness through incentivised health programmes, encouraging users to achieve physical, nutritional, and mental health goals. Lifesten Health has raised a total of $1.5 million in funding so far, with the most recent round being a seed funding round announced in early 2023.
- Turaco [Kenya]: Founded in 2019, Turaco provides digital micro-health insurance, making affordable healthcare accessible to underserved low-income earners across Africa. The Kenyan insurtech startup, has raised a total of $12 million in funding across multiple rounds, with the most recent being a $10 million Series A round.
Conclusion
While Africa’s healthcare system continues to grapple with significant challenges—such as a shortage of skilled medical personnel and limited access to healthcare services—these very obstacles are creating fertile ground for the growth of the digital health industry. With an estimated 408.6 million people in sub-Saharan Africa lacking access to healthcare, digital health solutions offer a promising avenue to bridge these gaps, particularly as the region contends with the exodus of medical professionals abroad.
Africa remains one of the most disease-burdened regions globally, with non-communicable diseases contributing to rising rates of premature deaths due to limited healthcare infrastructure and inadequate awareness. Digital health innovations have the potential to play a pivotal role in disease management and prevention, addressing these pressing health challenges.
The future of healthtech in Africa is undoubtedly bright. With sustained growth expected in the sector, the rise of innovative startups across the continent signals a transformation in healthcare delivery. As digital health solutions continue to evolve, they are set to become an integral part of improving healthcare outcomes and addressing longstanding disparities in access and quality of care.
https://www.africanexponent.com/33-healthtech-startups-disrupting-the-medical-narratives-in-africa/