GIP backs mPharma to deepen affordable healthcare access across West Africa

Growth Investment Partners (GIP) Ghana Ltd, the investment platform created by British International Investment (BII), has made a strategic capital injection into mPharma Ghana Ltd to boost access to affordable medicines and expand the company’s operations across West Africa.

The new investment will support mPharma’s plan to extend its QualityRx franchise model into Francophone markets, including Togo and Benin, and improve inventory efficiency across its growing multi pharmacy network. More than half of the funding is earmarked for expansion in Francophone West Africa, where the company sees growing demand for reliable, affordable pharmaceutical services.

Kwesi Arhin, Chief Executive Officer of mPharma, said the partnership with GIP would accelerate the company’s mission to close healthcare access gaps across the region. “Access to affordable medicines remains one of the most pressing healthcare challenges in Africa,” he said. “With GIP’s support, we can scale our partnerships with pharmacies and healthcare providers to ensure equitable access to quality care across Ghana and Francophone West Africa.”

Founded in 2013, mPharma has become one of Africa’s leading health-tech firms by tackling the persistent challenge of medicine affordability. The company’s asset-light franchise model enables independent pharmacies to operate under its mutti brand, using proprietary software to manage inventory, pricing, and supply chains more efficiently.

According to mPharma, about 72% of patients within its mutti network report lower medicine prices, while 96% experience fewer stock-outs. The company’s chronic care programmes have also produced measurable results, with its Diabetes Test & Treat initiative helping 80% of enrolled patients achieve optimal glycemic control within six months.

Jacob Kholi, Chief Executive and Investment Officer of GIP Ghana, said the deal aligns with the firm’s focus on businesses delivering measurable social and economic outcomes. “Our goal is to back enterprises that improve essential services for ordinary people,” he said, adding that the expansion will help communities gain better access to quality medicines while supporting the resilience of local health systems.

To mitigate risks as it enters new markets, mPharma is working with established distributors such as Ubipharm, GAPOB, and Laborex to strengthen its logistics and regulatory compliance frameworks. The company is also leveraging its data systems to improve demand forecasting and inventory management in frontier markets.

The deal adds momentum to Ghana’s growing role as a hub for health-tech and impact investing on the continent. GIP’s involvement highlights the increasing capacity of Ghana-based investors to mobilise local and global capital toward businesses that combine profitability with social outcomes.

With a membership base now exceeding 400,000 across Africa, mPharma’s model of combining innovation, technology, and inclusive business continues to attract both investors and policymakers seeking scalable solutions to healthcare access across the continent.

 

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