Nigeria’s RxAll and Sproxil among 7 African healthtechs selected for i3’s third cohort

Two Nigerian healthtech startups, RxAll and Sproxil, are among seven growth-stage companies selected for the third cohort of Investing in Innovation Africa (i3). i3 is a pan-African initiative aimed at scaling innovative healthcare solutions across the continent.

Announced today, the cohort focuses on transforming pharmacy services, a critical frontline of healthcare delivery in Africa, where pharmacies account for up to 70% of initial healthcare visits. Supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, MSD, Cencora, Endless Foundation, HELP Logistics, Sanofi’s Global Health Unit, and Chemonics, the three-year programme will provide up to $225,000 in funding per startup, alongside strategic partnerships and market access to enhance healthcare delivery.

RxAll, a Nigerian startup leveraging AI to combat counterfeit drugs and optimise pharmaceutical supply chains, and Sproxil, a pioneer in product authentication and patient engagement solutions, join Chefaa (Egypt), Dawa Mkononi (Tanzania), Meditect (Senegal), mPharma (Ghana), and myDawa (Kenya) in this particular cohort.

Operating across 19 African countries, these startups deploy tech-enabled innovations such as inventory management, last-mile delivery, AI-powered prescription refills, embedded financing, and cloud-based pharmacy systems to make healthcare more accessible, affordable, and safer.

Commenting on the cohort, Dr Ashifi Gogo, founder and CEO of one of the chosen startups, Sproxil, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity the programme will afford his company.

“It is an honour to be selected as part of the i3 cohort focused on growth-stage companies. The support of leading global life sciences and logistics companies, alongside forward-thinking foundations, is encouraging as we scale our impact,” Dr Gogo said.

The i3 programme, launched in 2022, has become a cornerstone for African healthtech innovation, having supported 60 startups across 16 countries with $3 million in grants over the past two years. The third cohort’s focus on pharmacy services underscores the vital role pharmacies play in bridging healthcare delivery gaps, particularly in underserved regions. By prioritising growth-stage startups, i3 aims to empower innovators with proven solutions to scale their impact, create jobs, and drive economic growth.

i3’s third cohort to receive $225k funding

Each of the selected startups will receive risk-tolerant funding of up to $225,000, tailored introductions to major healthcare purchasers, and bespoke deal facilitation to forge about 150 strategic partnerships valued at $30 million. The cohort will also participate in i3’s flagship Access to Markets event in December 2025, designed to connect innovators with large healthcare companies, governments, donors, and multilateral agencies. These resources are intended to strengthen Africa’s health systems by ensuring efficient, data-driven delivery of medicines and services.

Boniface Njenga, Deputy Director of Health Delivery and Systems, Africa at the Gates Foundation, emphasised the programme’s impact, saying, “As the global health landscape continues to rapidly shift, we remain committed to supporting innovative solutions that strengthen local health systems across Africa. The i3 programme emphasises the transformative potential of technology-driven innovations when empowered with the right resources.”

Dr Priya Agrawal, Vice President of International Health Equity and Partnerships at MSD, highlighted the importance of local innovation: “Investing in local healthcare businesses is essential for securing effective and sustainable medicine and vaccine distribution across Africa. By engaging the local private sector and meeting patients where they are, we can enhance access and strengthen health systems.”

The selected startups demonstrate diverse approaches to addressing healthcare challenges. RxAll uses AI to verify drug authenticity and streamline supply chains, tackling the pervasive issue of counterfeit medicines. Sproxil’s technology enables patients to verify product authenticity and access health information, fostering trust and engagement.

Meanwhile, myDawa, active in Kenya and Uganda, has facilitated over 1.5 million transactions and 150,000 telehealth consultations, with plans to expand into Rwanda. mPharma, a Ghana-based leader, manages prescription drug inventories to reduce costs and improve access, having raised significant funding in 2022.

The i3 programme’s track record speaks to its effectiveness. Since its inception, it has facilitated 450 strategic connections, resulting in $11 million in contracted partnerships and nearly 1,000 jobs, with 43% of supported ventures being women-led and 20% Francophone-led. By focusing on scalable, locally grounded solutions, i3 is not only improving patient outcomes but also fostering economic prosperity across Africa.

As Africa’s healthtech sector continues to grow, the third i3 cohort is poised to redefine pharmacy services, ensuring that essential care reaches those who need it most. With Nigeria’s RxAll and Sproxil at the forefront, the continent’s innovators are proving that technology-driven solutions can transform healthcare delivery and build resilient health systems.