Kenyan digital health startup MYDAWA has secured a $9.6 million investment from Denmark’s Investment Fund for Developing Countries (IFU) to expand its pharmacy network and digital healthcare services across East Africa.
The funding will enable MYDAWA to open 30 new pharmacies in Uganda, with about half located outside the capital, Kampala, to improve access in underserved areas.
In Kenya, the company plans to establish 10 additional physical pharmacies and enhance its online platform to combat the prevalence of uncertified healthcare products.
Founded in 2017, MYDAWA operates a “bricks-and-clicks” model, combining physical pharmacies with a digital platform offering services such as online doctor consultations, lab testing, e-prescriptions, and medication delivery.
The company has also partnered with major pharmaceutical firms like Novo Nordisk and received support from organizations including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
MYDAWA aims to reach 8.4 million patients annually across Uganda and Kenya by 2032.
The company also plans to integrate AI-driven features to streamline service delivery, optimize inventory management, and reduce costs for patients.
The investment from IFU, a Danish government-owned development finance institution, aligns with its mission to promote economic and social development in developing countries through investments that support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Neil O’Leary, founder and CEO of MYDAWA, stated:
“From the very beginning, MYDAWA’s mission has been to deliver better health outcomes for all Africans by ensuring access to high-quality, affordable medication through diverse and innovative channels.”
“This investment from IFU is a testament to the power of value-aligned partnerships that champion African solutions for African challenges,” he added.
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