Sanofi Global Health Unit’s Impact Investment Fund has provided equity capital to Kasha, a Rwandan digital platform that focusses on last-mile healthcare access, to support the company’s growth into other African nations.
In order to finance its expansion, Kasha received US$21 million in a Series B investment round last year. The Impact Investment Fund, which is run by the global health division of multinational pharmaceutical giant Sanofi, has now provided the startup with more funding.
With its last-mile distribution network and digital retail platform, Kasha has been providing consumers, resellers, pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics with access to reasonably priced, authentic items since its founding in 2016.
By utilising its e-health services, sales, distribution network, and data analytics, Kasha also acts as a channel partner for companies. By offering marketing, consumer insights, and complete distribution visibility to reach the last mile, it assists pharmaceutical businesses and international health organisations in increasing access to high-quality healthcare products.
Recognising that women represent the most significant and frequently neglected market for home and health products, Kasha has deliberately targeted women as its main target demographic.
“This partnership with Sanofi is an exciting milestone for Kasha, as Sanofi is a key strategic partner for us. We have seen an increase in demand for drugs treating Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and hypertension throughout our operating nations in Africa. With this investment, we will promote awareness of NCDs and other health conditions, making it easier and more cheap for people—especially those in lower-income and rural areas—to get the pharmaceuticals they need,” said Joanna Bichsel, Kasha’s founder and CEO.
“By leveraging Kasha’s technological platform to drive access through data-driven, customer-focused methods, Kasha and Sanofi have the potential to transform the pharmaceutical industry in Africa and ultimately ensure full access to high-quality medications,” the speaker continued.
The head of Sanofi Global Health Unit, Jon Fairest, stated his excitement about supporting and investing in Kasha’s growth initiatives. With the help of an extensive agent network and an optimised supply chain, Kasha has developed a novel technology and physical infrastructure for last-mile delivery that guarantees access to critical health items even in the most remote locations. We see the value of funding local entrepreneurial endeavours that enhance healthcare delivery systems and enhance long-term results. According to Fairest, the Sanofi Global Health Unit is dedicated to enhancing the most vulnerable populations’ access to sustainable healthcare and meeting their unmet medical requirements.
With this financing, Kasha will be able to expand into more African nations, improve its technology platform, and maintain its position as a pioneer in promoting fair access to medical supplies throughout the continent.
