Dakar-based digital health firm Eyone Medical has secured 1 billion CFA francs ($1.7 million) in new funding from Oyass Capital, an investment fund backed by Senegal's sovereign wealth fund, FONSIS. This capital injection is a pivotal step in advancing the nationwide deployment of the Shared Single Patient Record (DPUP) initiative. The investment underscores a strong commitment to modernizing the country's healthcare infrastructure through strategic public-private partnerships.
Modernizing Senegal's Healthcare System
Healthcare in Senegal has long been challenged by a fragmented, paper-based record-keeping system. Patients often carry physical files between facilities, leading to redundant tests and significant information gaps for clinicians. This outdated process creates administrative delays and can compromise the quality and continuity of patient care.
Eyone Medical, founded in 2015, directly addresses these inefficiencies with its interoperable software platform. The technology creates a unified digital profile for each patient, accessible in real-time by authorized providers across different clinics and hospitals. This secure data sharing is fundamental to streamlining workflows and improving diagnostic accuracy.
Strategic Investment from a Sovereign-Backed Fund
The investment comes from Oyass Capital, a 52 billion CFA franc fund launched in early 2024 to support promising local enterprises. Managed by SEAF, the fund targets small and medium-sized enterprises that fall into the "funding gap," often overlooked by traditional banks. Its mission is to catalyze growth for high-potential companies crucial to the national economy.
This move reflects a growing trend in West Africa where governments are evolving from regulators into active, risk-sharing investors. By backing "national champions" like Eyone, the Senegalese state aims to foster a more resilient and integrated economy. This model of sovereign-driven venture capital is becoming a key driver of the region's tech ecosystem.
Fueling Expansion and Technological Advancement
Eyone Medical has outlined a clear strategy for deploying the new capital to enhance its technological capabilities. A primary focus will be scaling its technical infrastructure to manage the increased data traffic from the national DPUP rollout. This reinforcement is critical to ensuring the platform's stability and reliability as it expands.
The company also plans to integrate advanced artificial intelligence tools into its platform. These developments will include predictive diagnostics and automated administrative features designed to further reduce costs and improve efficiency. This focus on AI positions Eyone at the forefront of health-tech innovation in the region.
In addition to technological upgrades, the funding will accelerate Eyone's geographic expansion across Francophone Africa. The company is already operational in Mali, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and Gabon, with Dakar serving as its central hub. This strategic growth aims to establish a broader footprint and solidify its market leadership.
This latest funding round for Eyone Medical marks a significant milestone for both the company and Senegal's digital transformation agenda. The partnership between a local innovator and a sovereign-backed fund highlights a powerful new model for economic development in West Africa. It signals a future where public priorities and private enterprise collaborate to solve critical national challenges.