Kenya’s Nairobi-based startup MyDawa has attracted fresh funding from a global consortium of investors to accelerate its expansion and deepen service delivery across East Africa.
The investment round, was led by private equity firms Alta Semper Capital and Creadev, with participation from Denmark’s Investment Fund for Developing Countries (IFU), Japan’s AAIC Investment, and Ohara Pharmaceutical Co. The funding is expected to support MyDawa’s regional growth, enhance its AI-powered healthcare platform, and scale programs aimed at managing chronic diseases.
MyDawa
Founded in 2017 by Neil O’Leary, MyDawa operates on a “bricks and clicks” model that blends digital pharmacy services with physical distribution. The platform enables patients to consult healthcare professionals remotely, access diagnostic testing, obtain prescriptions, and receive medications at their doorstep—critical in areas where health infrastructure is limited or unreliable.
“MyDawa is not just addressing healthcare gaps it is building the framework for future-ready healthcare in Africa,” said O’Leary, highlighting the company’s role in transforming patient access across underserved communities.
The company recently expanded its footprint by acquiring Rocket Health, a Ugandan telehealth provider. With this strategic move and the new capital injection, MyDawa aims to enhance its regional presence, invest in digital infrastructure, and optimize its inventory management systems to cut costs and improve service delivery.
Backers of the deal point to MyDawa’s consistent performance and potential for scale. According to Zach Fond, Partner at Alta Semper, “MyDawa has continually delivered impactful, scalable healthcare solutions. This next phase positions it as a category-defining leader.”
The company’s initiatives in chronic care, including Mzima in Kenya and Bulunji in Uganda, target long-term health issues like diabetes and hypertension. Its reach has been amplified through collaborations with major pharmaceutical partners such as Novo Nordisk, and partnerships with health programs supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, particularly in areas like HIV prevention.
Despite strong growth—reportedly achieving over 30% year-on-year revenue growth in 2024 and serving more than 1.8 million patients across Kenya and Uganda—MyDawa faces challenges. These include navigating complex regulatory environments in different markets and competing with established players such as Nigeria’s HealthPlus and South Africa’s Dis-Chem.
However, MyDawa’s hybrid approach—melding online convenience with robust physical logistics—continues to give it a strategic edge. “Our goal is a digitally connected and accessible healthcare system that works for every East African,” said Priscilla Muhiu, Chief Operating Officer. As digital health platforms gain momentum in Africa, MyDawa’s trajectory could serve as a template for leveraging technology to bridge healthcare gaps in low-access regions.