mPharma and Sproxil have been selected to join the third cohort of Investing in Innovation Africa (i3), a pan-African initiative that supports healthtech startups improving access to medicines and pharmacy services across the continent. The two companies are among seven growth-stage innovators chosen this year for their impact in transforming pharmaceutical access and healthcare delivery.
Backed by a coalition of global partners—including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, MSD, Cencora (formerly AmerisourceBergen), Sanofi’s Global Health Unit, Chemonics, Endless Foundation, and HELP Logistics (a subsidiary of the Kühne Foundation)—the i3 program is designed to help African healthtech startups scale and commercialise their solutions. The three-year program focuses on connecting innovators with funding, markets, and strategic partnerships to accelerate their growth and impact.
Each selected company will receive up to $225,000 in risk-tolerant funding, along with tailored support, including customer introductions, deal facilitation, and strategic communications. The program aims to facilitate approximately 150 partnerships and influence deals valued at $30 million between startups and large healthcare purchasers. As part of the program, the cohort will also participate in the Access to Markets event in December 2025, which is designed to foster collaboration among startups, corporates, donors, governments, and multilateral organisations.
Founded in 2009 by Dr. Ashifi Gogo, Sproxil helps consumers verify the authenticity of products through a simple mobile system. Users can check a code on product packaging via text to ensure it’s genuine. Initially launched to combat counterfeit medicines in Nigeria, the company has since expanded into other sectors like agriculture and consumer goods across Africa and Asia.
Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Ghana, mPharma is a healthtech company that partners with community pharmacies to manage inventory, improve supply chains, and deliver affordable healthcare services. Operating in nine African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Zambia, mPharma supports over 400 pharmacies, serving more than 100,000 patients each month.
