For decades, health care in Africa was seen as the responsibility of governments and charities. Now, a new wave of African health tech startups is challenging that narrative — and saving lives along the way. But unlike financial, agriculture, or energy tech, health tech faces a unique skepticism: Is saving lives profitable?
In 2015, when Michael Moreland co-founded Field Intelligence. He aimed to solve a problem he had encountered repeatedly in his work across Africa: The lack of reliable health care access in underresourced communities. For him, logistics was the key. But it wasn’t just about getting supplies from point A to point B — it was about ensuring the medicine reached those that needed it most.
“Africa has made strides in maternal health, but we’re still seeing unacceptable numbers,” Moreland told Devex. “It’s more than technology. Every missed shipment, every gap in the supply chain, it’s a person — usually a woman — who pays the price.”
About the author
Paul Adepojupauladepoju
Paul Adepoju is a Nigeria-based Devex Contributing Reporter, academic, and author. He covers health and tech in Africa for leading local and international media outlets including CNN, Quartz, and The Guardian. He's also the founder of healthnews.africa. He is completing a doctorate in cell biology and genetics and holds several reporting awards in health and tech.
