Investing in Innovation Africa (i3), a pioneering pan-African initiative dedicated to supporting healthtech startups in their journey to scale and transform healthcare delivery across Africa, has announced its third cohort. Comprising seven dynamic growth-stage companies focused on revolutionizing pharmacy services on the continent, the cohort will receive up to $225,000 in risk-tolerant funding, along with tailored support, strategic introductions, and advocacy to accelerate their impact.
Empowering Digital Innovation to Strengthen Healthcare Systems
Supported by a coalition of formidable partners including the Gates Foundation, MSD, Cencora (formerly AmerisourceBergen), Endless Foundation, HELP Logistics (a subsidiary of the Kühne Foundation), Sanofi’s Global Health Unit, and Chemonics, the three-year program aims to enhance patient access to healthcare services across Africa. Recognizing the vital role pharmacies play—serving as the first point of contact for as much as 70% of initial healthcare visits in many African countries—i3 is prioritizing startups developing pharmacy-focused solutions that address supply chain gaps, last-mile delivery, prescription management, embedded financing, and digital health systems.
Spotlight on Selected Innovators
The selected startups exemplify how data-driven, locally grounded innovations can reinforce the resilience of Africa’s healthcare infrastructure while stimulating economic growth. Operating across 19 countries, these companies are reimagining how medicines and health services reach patients, making care more accessible, affordable, and safe. The cohort includes Chefaa, Dawa Mkononi, Meditect, mPharma, myDawa, RxAll, and Sproxil, each offering unique solutions in inventory management, product protection, AI-powered prescriptions, and mobile health services. Their efforts are already creating thousands of jobs, improving patient outcomes, and driving scalable, impactful change.
Support and Opportunities
Each company in the cohort will receive up to $225,000 in funding, complemented by bespoke deal facilitation, customer introductions, and professional communications and advocacy support. The program aims to catalyze approximately 150 strategic partnerships and influence deals worth around $30 million between the startups and major healthcare purchasers—including governments, donors, and multinational organizations. Participants will also engage in i3’s flagship Access to Markets event scheduled for December 2025, an occasion designed to foster high-impact partnerships and investment opportunities.
Endorsements from Global Leaders
Boniface Njenga, Deputy Director for Health Delivery and Systems at the Gates Foundation, emphasized the importance of supporting innovative health solutions: “As the global health landscape rapidly evolves, we remain committed to backing local initiatives that strengthen health systems across Africa. The i3 program demonstrates the transformative potential of technology-driven innovations when provided with the right resources.” Dr. Priya Agrawal, Vice President of International Health Equity and Partnerships at MSD, highlighted the critical need for investing in local healthcare businesses: “Partnering with entrepreneurs dedicated to expanding equitable healthcare access is essential for effective medicine and vaccine distribution across Africa.” Sproxil’s CEO and Founder, Dr. Ashifi Gogo, expressed enthusiasm about scaling impact through i3: “The support from global leaders fuels our mission, and I look forward to the profound difference this cohort will make.”
Track Record and Future Goals
Over the past two years, i3 has invested $3 million in direct grants to 60 startups across 16 African nations, fostering a diverse cohort that includes 43% women-led and 20% Francophone-led enterprises. The program has facilitated 450 strategic connections, securing 122 contracts and pilot projects, and generating over $11 million in partnerships. Nearly 1,000 jobs have been created, with half held by women, exemplifying the program’s commitment to inclusive growth.
Coordinated by Salient Advisory and the Solina Center for International Development and Research (SCIDaR), the selection process involved an expert committee and collaborations with CcHUB, Villgro Africa, and an independent advisory panel, ensuring a rigorous and balanced evaluation of startups.
For more information on the i3 program or to learn how to participate, please visit its official website.
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