Grace Ashiru
Kasha, a Rwandan digital platform focused on providing last-mile access to healthcare, has secured equity funding from Sanofi Global Health Unit’s Impact Investment Fund to aid its expansion into other African countries.
Last year, Kasha raised US$21 million in a Series B funding round to support its growth. Now, the company has received additional backing from the Impact Investment Fund, which is managed by the global health division of multinational pharmaceutical giant Sanofi.
Since its inception in 2016, Kasha has been offering consumers, resellers, pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics access to affordable, genuine products through its digital retail platform and last-mile distribution network for medicines and fast-moving consumer goods.
Leveraging its data analytics, e-health services, sales, and distribution network, Kasha also serves as a channel partner for businesses. It helps pharmaceutical companies and global health organisations expand access to quality healthcare products, providing marketing, consumer insights, and full distribution visibility to reach the last mile.
Understanding that women are the most influential market for household and health products, yet often underserved, Kasha has strategically focused on women as its primary consumer base.
“This partnership with Sanofi is an exciting milestone for Kasha, as Sanofi is a key strategic partner for us. Across our countries of operation in Africa, we’ve witnessed the growing demand for medications related to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and hypertension. With this investment, we will raise awareness of NCDs and other health issues, making it easier and more affordable for people—especially those in lower-income and rural areas—to access the medications they need,” said Joanna Bichsel, Kasha’s founder and CEO.
“Kasha and Sanofi have the potential to transform the pharmaceutical industry in Africa by using Kasha’s technological platform to drive access through data-driven, customer-focused methods, ultimately ensuring full access to high-quality medications,” she added.
Jon Fairest, head of Sanofi Global Health Unit, expressed his enthusiasm for being an investor and partner in Kasha’s expansion efforts.
“Kasha has created a unique technological and physical infrastructure for last-mile delivery, using an optimised supply chain and a vast agent network to ensure access to essential health products, even in the most remote areas. We understand the importance of investing in regional entrepreneurial ventures that strengthen healthcare delivery models and improve long-term outcomes. Sanofi Global Health Unit is committed to improving access to sustainable healthcare for the most vulnerable populations with unmet medical needs,” Fairest stated.
This investment will support Kasha’s expansion into additional African countries, enhance its technological platform, and solidify its position as a leader in advancing equitable access to healthcare products across the continent.
