In a continent where access to affordable healthcare remains one of the most pressing challenges, mPharma, a Ghanaian HealthTech startup, is rewriting the script. Founded in 2013 by Gregory Rockson, mPharma has grown into one of Africa’s most promising and impactful startups, building a pan-African pharmaceutical supply chain that ensures quality medication reaches patients without the traditional barriers of high cost, stock-outs, and inefficiency.
A Mission Rooted in Equity
mPharma’s mission is bold but clear: to make medicines more affordable and accessible across Africa. By partnering directly with pharmaceutical manufacturers and using data to predict demand, mPharma reduces the layers of intermediaries that often inflate medicine prices. This direct-to-pharmacy model, combined with centralized procurement and real-time inventory tracking, cuts down costs and ensures consistent supply in underserved areas.
Building the Future of African Pharmacies
One of the startup’s flagship initiatives is the Mutti Pharmacy network, a program that upgrades independent pharmacies across Africa into branded, tech-enabled retail outlets. These Mutti pharmacies offer not only quality assurance and stable pricing but also digitized patient records and loyalty programs—bringing a previously informal sector into the digital economy.
mPharma has also introduced services like telemedicine, home diagnostics, and chronic disease management through its platform, transforming pharmacies into frontline health centers.
Geographic Footprint and Impact
Headquartered in Accra, Ghana, mPharma now operates in nine African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia, and Rwanda. It manages a network of thousands of pharmacies, clinics, and hospitals, serving over 2 million patients.
In 2022, the startup acquired HealthPlus, Nigeria’s largest pharmacy chain, further expanding its footprint and influence in the continent’s most populous nation.
Backed by Global Investors
mPharma’s innovative model has drawn the attention of top-tier global investors. The company has raised over $90 million from investors like Goldman Sachs, CDC Group, Social Capital, and Novastar Ventures. In its most recent funding rounds, the startup focused on deepening its reach across Francophone and East African markets while expanding its digital healthcare services.
A New Era for African Health Systems
More than just a startup, mPharma is a movement toward reimagining healthcare delivery in Africa. By removing inefficiencies and leveraging data, technology, and partnerships, it’s not just fixing a broken supply chain—it’s building a healthier future for millions.
As healthcare remains a central pillar of development across Africa, mPharma’s work demonstrates how homegrown innovation can bridge the gap between medical need and access—and how technology can restore dignity to patients across the continent.
