Nairobi — Microsoft has teamed up with Kenyan start-ups Zendawa and Flapmax to deploy AI-powered solutions in the health sector.
The collaboration aims to significantly enhance the capabilities of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the pharmaceutical industry by improving access to financial services, optimizing processes, and boosting service delivery.
Microsoft highlights that the latest advancements in AI hold the potential to transform the operations and prospects of small pharmacies throughout Kenya.
Such improvements are expected to positively impact the national healthcare system, particularly in terms of medicine availability.
Gerald Maithya, General Manager of Microsoft's Transformation Office, emphasized the revolutionary impact of AI on pharmaceutical operations across both rural and urban areas of East Africa.
He noted that AI is facilitating online access to pharmaceutical products and financing solutions for small businesses and pharmacies.
"Zendawa is a great example of what small businesses in Africa can accomplish with AI. That's why Microsoft's ambition is to democratize our breakthroughs in AI to help local businesses be more productive and go on to solve the most pressing problems of the continent. We're excited to support Zendawa as they look to transform access to quality healthcare in Africa," said Maithya.
Zendawa CEO Wilfred Chege on his part detailed how the partnership has enabled the establishment of an online marketplace where users can order pharmaceutical products.
He explained that operational expenses typically account for around 70 percent of pharmacies' annual budget.
To address this, Zendawa offers a digital suite to track both online and offline sales, utilizing AI to analyze data and develop credit scores. These scores are crucial for unlocking access to capital, allowing pharmacies to restock and manage utility payments effectively.
Currently, Zendawa supports 520 pharmacies in the region, with an ambitious goal of expanding to 10,000 by the end of the year. This growth is anticipated to further enhance the accessibility and quality of healthcare services across Kenya.
