
African Startups Invited to Apply for Norrsken’s $125k Accelerator Program
Norrsken has opened applications for its Norrsken Accelerator program.
Kera Health Platforms, a Senegal-based health technology startup, has secured a $10 million equity investment from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group.
The funding aims to enhance digital healthcare services across West Africa, particularly benefiting underserved populations such as informal workers and women.
Founded in 2023 by AI expert Moustapha Cissé, former MTN executive Papa Sow, and healthcare professional Hosam Mattar, Kera Health utilizes artificial intelligence to digitize and integrate various healthcare data sources.
The platform consolidates electronic health records, laboratory results, pharmacy data, and health insurance information, providing a comprehensive view of patient health to improve clinical decision-making and service delivery.
The IFC’s investment, pending board approval scheduled for June 20, 2025, is expected to support Kera’s expansion within the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) region.
The funding will also assist in developing additional health insurance products tailored to the needs of informal sector workers and other vulnerable groups.
In addition to financial support, the IFC will aid Kera in adopting international social and environmental standards, enhancing corporate governance, and establishing mechanisms for employee grievances.
Senegal faces significant healthcare challenges, with less than one physician per 10,000 people, according to the World Health Organization.
By leveraging AI and digital solutions, Kera Health seeks to address these gaps, offering scalable and efficient healthcare services to populations with limited access to traditional medical infrastructure.
Moustapha Cissé, CEO of Kera Health, emphasized the importance of technology in addressing Africa’s healthcare needs, stating:
“As Africa stands on the cusp of a demographic boom, harnessing the power of technology in healthcare is not just an opportunity; it is an imperative.”
“We are delighted to partner with ISA to support the development of solar energy in Africa,” said Alain Ebobissé, CEO of Africa50. “This partnership will help to accelerate the deployment of solar energy in Africa and improve the lives of millions of Africans,” he added.
Norrsken has opened applications for its Norrsken Accelerator program.
Algeria-based edtech startup LabLabee has secured $3.4 million in seed funding to accelerate the adoption of 5G, cloud, and AI technologies in the telecom and industrial sectors.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $100 million loan to support youth and women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria through the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank (YEIB) initiative.
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