The Investing in Innovation Africa (i3) programme has announced the selection of seven leading healthtech startups as part of its third cohort, granting them a combined $1.5 million in funding. Each company will receive up to $225,000 in risk-tolerant grants, alongside critical support in market access, partnerships, and tailored advisory services. This initiative continues i3’s mission to strengthen Africa’s healthcare systems through scalable, pharmacy-focused innovations.
Empowering Pharmacy-Led Healthcare Across Africa
Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and supported by industry players including MSD, Sanofi, Cencora, and the Endless Foundation, the i3 programme focuses on innovations that expand access to essential medicines. Pharmacies play a pivotal role in Africa’s healthcare delivery, handling up to 70% of initial consultations in many countries. By supporting startups that enhance pharmacy services, i3 aims to address last-mile delivery gaps, drive economic growth, and build resilient health systems.
A Strategic Focus on Growth-Stage Innovation
This year’s cohort features startups with proven models that are ready to scale: Chefaa, Dawa Mkononi, Meditect, mPharma, myDawa, RxAll, and Sproxil. These companies operate across 19 African countries and deliver tech-enabled solutions such as AI-driven prescription refills, inventory management, embedded financing, and cloud-based systems. Their innovations are not only improving healthcare access but also creating jobs and making medicine distribution more transparent and efficient.
Backing from Global Health and Logistics Leaders
The programme’s backers—ranging from multinational pharmaceutical companies to logistics experts and international development organizations—highlight the strategic importance of strengthening pharmacy infrastructure. With the support of entities like HELP Logistics and Chemonics, the startups gain access to global networks and technical expertise. This collaboration accelerates their potential to influence healthcare systems at scale and meet the continent’s growing demand for accessible healthcare solutions.
Measurable Impact and Inclusive Innovation
i3’s previous two cohorts have already made significant strides, disbursing $3 million in grants and facilitating over 450 strategic connections, including 122 pilot projects and contracts. These efforts have led to more than $11 million in secured partnerships and nearly 1,000 new jobs, half of which are held by women. The initiative’s commitment to inclusive innovation is further evident in its support for women-led and Francophone-led enterprises.
Building Partnerships for Long-Term Success
In addition to financial support, this year’s selected startups will participate in the i3 Access to Markets event in December 2025. The event is designed to catalyze high-impact partnerships with healthcare companies, government bodies, and donors, with a target of 150 new strategic collaborations and up to $30 million in influenced deals. By connecting innovators with large-scale buyers and decision-makers, i3 creates a powerful ecosystem for healthcare transformation.
Voices from the Field Highlight Programme Significance
Key stakeholders have reaffirmed the programme’s relevance in advancing Africa’s health systems. Boniface Njenga of the Gates Foundation emphasized the role of technology in shaping resilient health systems and expressed confidence in the cohort’s potential. Similarly, MSD’s Dr. Priya Agrawal stressed the need for local business investment to ensure sustainable medicine distribution and equitable access across the continent.
With its third cohort, i3 continues to spotlight the power of African-led innovation in addressing systemic healthcare challenges. By combining targeted funding with deep partnership engagement, the programme supports entrepreneurs in transforming pharmacy services and delivering essential care to underserved populations. As these startups scale across the continent, their impact is expected to strengthen health outcomes, spur job creation, and enhance the resilience of African healthcare systems.