As Africa’s youth population grows, entrepreneurs are urged to develop healthcare solutions catering to the continent’s future medical needs. However, women’s health, a category that addresses menstrual and reproductive health, has been subtly overlooked. Nevertheless, recent investments, like the $21 million Series B funding secured by Rwandan startup Kasha, indicate a positive shift in focus.
Kasha, founded in 2016 by CEO Joanna Bichsel, operates as a digital retail platform with a specialization in women’s healthcare and household items. The platform provides last-mile distribution of pharmaceuticals and fast-moving consumer goods to individual consumers, small resellers, hospitals, pharmacies, and clinics. Products range from sanitary pads and contraceptives to diapers and cleaning supplies.
Initially, Kasha focused on direct-to-consumer delivery of health products for women and newborns in Rwanda. However, it soon expanded into the wholesale market, serving pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics. The startup offers a wide variety of products, addressing menstrual hygiene, maternal and newborn health, family planning, and noncommunicable diseases, catering to various customer segments.
The recent Series B funding led by Knife Capital will be used to expand Kasha’s platform in Kenya and Rwanda further and establish a presence in South Africa and West Africa. The startup’s focus on health products sets it apart from other B2B e-commerce platforms in East Africa, and its goal is to become Africa’s leading digital platform for last-mile access to health.
Opinion:
Kasha’s approach to addressing women’s health needs and its significant growth are encouraging developments for Africa’s healthcare landscape. Women’s health is a crucial area that often remains neglected, and the platform’s emphasis on providing authentic, quality products and improving access to healthcare is commendable. As Kasha expands across Africa, it has the potential to make a significant impact on women’s health and well-being, showcasing the importance of investing in innovative solutions that cater to the specific needs of the continent’s population.