Kenya’s MyDawa raises $20 million to grow digital health in Africa

In Africa, healthcare is a complex and multifaceted issue that presents numerous challenges and opportunities. With a population exceeding 1.3 billion people spread across diverse countries, cultures, and socio-economic conditions, providing adequate healthcare services remains a significant endeavour. 

While progress has been made over the years, the healthcare systems in many African countries still face several barriers. But, with the transformation to digital healthcare in recent years, the sector has been seeing improvement with the potential for great growth in the coming years.

One of the firms championing digital healthcare in the continent is MyDawa, a Nairobi-based e-health startup. Now, the startup has raised $20 million from private equity investor Alta Semper Capital to expand its regional reach and product offerings to become an all-in-one health platform for users.

Founded in 2016 by Neil O’Leary, MyDawa is a technology-based service that allows anyone to buy a wide range of high-quality medication and wellness products affordably and conveniently from their mobile phone. It has now included online and in-person consultations, as well as laboratory services at its expanding network of walk-in pharmacies and health centres.

In 2019, MyDawa raised $3 million from AAIC’s Africa Healthcare Fund and has also received $1.2 million in grant funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS by increasing access to. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis medication.

In order to aid other companies in the health sector in growing, it has also launched its line of branded products and wants to open up its technological infrastructure, from telehealth to fulfillment.

It claims to have signed agreements with some of Kenya's largest clinic chains, which are seeking to increase their clientele. Another acquisition and partnership that MyDawa hopes to make as it extends outside of Kenya is Uganda's Guardian Health.​