mPharma, a pan-African health technology company, has appointed Kwesi Arhin as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective September 1, 2025. He becomes the second CEO in the company’s history and the first non-founder to take on the role, succeeding co-founder Gregory Rockson. Rockson will transition to Chairman of the Board, ensuring governance continuity as the company enters its next growth phase.
Kwesi Arhin’s Track Record
Arhin joined mPharma in 2021 and has since served as Global Head of Commercial, Senior Vice President, and Chief Operating Officer. In these roles, he drove commercial growth, operational efficiency, and expansion into new markets. His broader career spans more than a decade in finance, consulting, and health technology, equipping him with the skills to lead mPharma in a complex environment.
Expansion Across Africa
Founded in 2013, mPharma has built a strong presence across nine African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, Gabon, and Ethiopia. The company operates through a mix of pharmacies, primary care facilities, and pharmaceutical distribution partnerships. This network has positioned it as a regional leader in improving healthcare accessibility.
Growth Through Acquisitions
mPharma has expanded aggressively by acquiring stakes in local pharmacy chains across Africa. It purchased Haltons Pharmacy in Kenya for $5 million in 2019, followed by 55 percent of Uganda’s Vine Pharmacy in 2021 and a majority stake in Nigeria’s HealthPlus in 2022. These moves reinforced its strategy of consolidation in fragmented health markets.
Funding and Investment
The company has raised more than $90 million from investors backing its mission of affordable and accessible healthcare. This includes a $35 million Series D round in 2022, which supported further acquisitions and market expansion. With these funds, mPharma has sought to scale its technology-driven approach to pharmaceutical supply and patient care.
Market Pressures and Challenges
Despite strong growth, mPharma has faced difficulties linked to wider economic pressures across Africa. In 2023, it laid off 150 employees as macroeconomic headwinds strained operations. The healthtech sector has proven particularly vulnerable, with startups like Nigeria’s Medsaf shutting down under financial pressure.
Outlook Under New Leadership
Under Arhin’s leadership, mPharma will focus on strengthening resilience and achieving sustainable growth in volatile markets. His mandate includes deepening the company’s impact by expanding access to medicines and improving affordability for underserved communities. With Rockson as Chairman, the leadership team will combine continuity with fresh vision to navigate future challenges.
The appointment of Kwesi Arhin as CEO signals a new chapter in mPharma’s evolution from a founder-led startup into a more institutionally governed company. His track record within the business and his global healthtech background provide a solid foundation for leading the next stage of growth. As Africa’s healthcare sector continues to expand, mPharma’s leadership transition positions it to remain at the forefront of innovation and accessibility.