The Japanese investment firm, AAIC is dedicated to nurturing the growth of innovative healthcare start-ups in Africa, providing strategic support for their multinational expansion.
Since 2017, AAIC Investment has invested in over 50 start-ups in Africa’s healthcare and innovation sectors. One of these start-ups, fintech firm Chipper Cash, grew into a unicorn in 2021 – a testament to AAIC’s discerning eye for investment opportunities. From a startup offering affordable care to underinsured blue-collar workers to another providing an AI-assisted teleradiology platform, the Japanese investment firm supports diverse companies striving to change the medical industry across the continent. “One of our biggest milestones last year was reaching a cumulative total of US$40 million for our African Innovation Healthcare Fund (AHF2),” says Hiroki Ishida, Managing Director of AAIC Partners Africa (Kenya). The firm raised funds from Japanese institutions, such as the state-owned Development Bank of Japan, which began exploring opportunities in Africa following their focus on the Asian market. “One of our newest investors is Hokkoku, a regional bank in Japan that, with AAIC’s support, has opened its first office in Kenya among Japanese commercial banks. They have already begun providing cross-border loans,” notes Ishida, emphasizing that AAIC actively seeks strategic partnerships with investors from Japan and beyond.
Kenya’s healthcare sector has changed in the past few years. “MYDAWA is one of our oldest portfolio companies. It was an e-commerce firm focused on pharmaceuticals, selling prescription drugs online and delivering them to people’s homes within three hours in Nairobi. Now, they have opened a call center, providing telemedicine services eliminating the need for people to go to hospitals,” says Ishida, while mentioning that MYDAWA has expanded its geographical reach and acquired the Guardian Health Pharmacy in Uganda, one of the largest pharmacies in the country with over 20 branches.
The Managing Director reflects on the evolving landscape of healthcare services in Africa, pointing to consumers’ demand for comprehensive solutions. This has resulted in companies recognizing the need to offer a holistic range of services, from consultation to treatment and aftercare. This shift departs from traditional partnerships, as businesses increasingly integrate diverse offerings under a single umbrella. In alignment with this evolving landscape, the firm’s 2025 plan prioritizes the consolidation of services provided by the start-ups it supports. “We’re exploring opportunities for our companies to consolidate their services and form strategic partnerships within specific areas or regions. This will enhance the patient journey, facilitate increased revenue generation, and attract more investors,” notes Ishida.
Technological advancements and digitalization have paved the way for a paradigm shift in the insurance industry. Traditional insurance companies often grapple with the high costs associated with a human-centric sales model. In contrast, the innovative companies that AAIC supports leverage digital platforms to streamline operations and target middle-and lower-income households, offering more affordable and accessible insurance solutions. “We have strategically invested in BIMA, a company operating in Ghana and Tanzania that provides more affordable medical insurance, priced at an average of two to three dollars per month, along with telemedicine services. This will expand access to healthcare for a wider segment of the population,” Ishida says, mentioning that while some patients may require hospital visits for further diagnosis or consultation, 70-80% of cases can be effectively addressed through telemedicine consultations.
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AAIC Investment, with its deep understanding of the African landscape, recognizes the untapped potential for Japanese involvement in the region. “We have a deep understanding of the healthcare sector in Africa. We have offices in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt. We share our knowledge and experience in the sector with investors and provide them options to partner with our portfolio companies,” says Ishida. Through its fund, the company aims to maximize returns for its investors while introducing innovative Japanese technologies and expertise to the continent. By supporting partnerships between AAIC’s portfolio companies and Japanese businesses and deepening the engagement between the two nations, AAIC is paving the way for a mutually beneficial partnership that will shape the future of healthcare in Africa.
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