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Growth Investment Partners (GIP) Ghana Ltd, an investment platform established by British International Investment (BII), has announced a strategic investment in mPharma Ghana Ltd to expand access to affordable medicines and primary healthcare services across West Africa.
The investment will support mPharma’s operations in Ghana and facilitate its expansion into Francophone West Africa (FWA), including countries such as Togo and Benin.
The initiative aims to strengthen regional healthcare systems by optimising inventory management and scaling mPharma’s QualityRx franchise model, which empowers local pharmacy owners to deliver community-based healthcare.
Speaking at the announcement, Mr Jacob Kholi, Chief Executive and Investment Officer of GIP Ghana, said the partnership aligned with GIP’s mission to support high-impact businesses that improve essential services for everyday people“Strengthening mPharma’s footprint in Francophone West Africa will help more communities access affordable medicines while reinforcing the resilience of regional healthcare systems,” Founded in 2013, mPharma has grown into one of Africa’s leading healthcare providers, operating a network of mutti pharmacies and offering services such as mutti Doctor, a virtual consultation and screening platform.
The company’s model reduces patient wait times and promotes early detection and management of chronic conditions. Mr Kwesi Arhin, Chief Executive Officer of mPharma, said the investment would enable the company to deepen its partnerships with pharmacies and healthcare providers across the region. “Access to affordable medicines remains one of the most critical healthcare challenges across the region.
With GIP’s support, we can continue to enhance patient care and ensure equitable access to quality medicines across Ghana, Francophone West Africa, and the wider Sub-Saharan region,” he said. British International Investment, which has been a long-term investor in mPharma, expressed confidence in the company’s impact and growth potential.
Mr Kwabena Asante-Poku, BII Country Director for Ghana, said: “This new partnership will help accelerate mPharma’s expansion in Francophone West Africa, strengthening health systems and delivering essential services to more communities.” mPharma’s mutti membership programme has grown significantly, from fewer than 10,000 members in 2019 to over 400,000 by the end of 2024. More than 70 per cent of patients report lower drug prices at mutti pharmacies, while over 75 per cent of members report no stockouts of essential medicines. The company also runs targeted healthcare programmes focused on chronic disease management, women’s health, and children’s healthcare.
Its Diabetes Test & Treat programme has achieved optimal blood sugar control in 80 per cent of patients within six months. Strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical firms such as Pfizer have enabled discounts of up to 65 per cent on life-saving medications. GIP Ghana was established in 2023 with an anchor capital commitment of up to US$50 million from BII.
It provides long-term, flexible financing to catalyse sustainable economic growth and development impact in Ghana by addressing the SME funding gap. mPharma currently operates in six African countries, including Ghana, Togo, and Benin, and continues to leverage technology and community-based models to transform access to quality healthcare across the continent.
