The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has announced a $10 million seed investment in Dakar-based healthtech startup KERA Health Platforms Inc. Founded in 2023, KERA is building AI-powered digital infrastructure to integrate fragmented healthcare services in Senegal and the wider West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) region. This latest funding will support KERA’s broader mission to increase healthcare accessibility and efficiency, especially for underserved populations including informal workers and women.
A Platform Aimed at Closing the Healthcare Gap
KERA's core innovation lies in unifying diverse elements of the healthcare system—hospitals, labs, pharmacies, and insurers—into a single, data-driven platform. By connecting these services, KERA helps reduce inefficiencies, lower costs, and streamline both clinical and administrative processes. The platform is particularly critical in a region where healthcare systems are often fragmented and the burden of out-of-pocket expenses is high.
Founders with a Vision for Systemic Change
The company was co-founded by AI researcher Moustapha Cissé, former telecom executive Papa Sow, and healthcare leader Hosam Mattar. Together, they bring a strong blend of technological, operational, and clinical expertise to the startup’s leadership. Cissé, in particular, is noted for founding the African Masters of Machine Intelligence (AMMI), a program instrumental in developing AI talent across the continent.
IFC’s Dual Strategy: Capital and Governance
The IFC’s investment goes beyond financial support and is part of a broader strategy to foster digital health innovation in underserved regions. The funding aims to catalyze venture capital flows in Francophone West Africa, where startup ecosystems are still in early stages of development. Additionally, the IFC will work with KERA to implement corporate governance standards aligned with international best practices, setting a precedent for institutional integrity and scalability.
Aligning with Broader Digital Health Initiatives
This transaction is aligned with IFC’s regional healthtech strategy, including initiatives like DigiHealth and DigiPharma that support innovation in healthcare delivery across emerging markets. By investing in KERA, the IFC also demonstrates a growing interest in Francophone Africa, a region that traditionally receives less attention from global venture capital. The investment signals an opportunity to showcase how targeted support in early-stage companies can address both health system gaps and economic development goals.
Unlocking Market Potential in West Africa
The digital health sector in West Africa is poised for substantial growth, projected to increase from $1.25 billion in 2025 to $1.67 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.49%. Senegal alone is expected to see its digital health market expand to over $102 million by 2029. KERA is strategically positioned to tap into this growth through scalable, AI-driven solutions designed to modernize healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes.
Addressing System-Level Inefficiencies with AI
KERA’s AI infrastructure aims to optimize data sharing, automate insurance claims, and support clinical decision-making, thus relieving pressure on overstretched healthcare systems. In Senegal, where doctor-to-patient ratios remain low, this model provides a realistic alternative to workforce expansion. The technology not only supports medical professionals but also creates a foundation for broader systemic reform.
KERA Health Platforms represents a promising intersection of artificial intelligence, system integration, and inclusive healthcare access. With support from the IFC, the startup gains not just capital, but also credibility and institutional support vital for navigating the complexities of scaling in emerging markets. If successful, KERA’s model could offer a replicable blueprint for digital healthcare transformation across underserved regions in Africa and beyond.