HealthTech Firm Is Expanding Access To Healthcare

Across East and Central Africa, healthcare systems and providers face challenges in procuring and keeping key medical equipment and supplies in stock. This brings a lack of access to important diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, ultimately leading to preventable deaths and other negative health outcomes for patients in under-resourced communities.

This is why venture capital-backed African health tech company VIEBEG Technologies is helping to expand access to affordable healthcare in Central and East Africa by aiding healthcare facilities in procuring supplies in real time. It uses artificial intelligence (AI) to manage supply chain processes (from shipping to warehousing, distribution, and inventory management) to ensure that healthcare facilities have the precise medical supplies in stock.

VIEBEG serves over 1,000 hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and healthcare providers in Rwanda, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It stands out for its innovative data-driven procurement solution called VieProcure. This platform facilitates the efficient distribution of medical supplies, equipment, and pharmaceuticals, addressing critical supply chain challenges in the healthcare sector.

Founded in 2018 by CEO Tobias Reiter and Chief Commercial Officer Alex Musyoka, the company works with hospitals, clinics and healthcare providers to manage and expand their supply of medical products, devices and equipment critical to meeting the full range of patient needs.

“We are already making inroads in other parts of East Africa, including Kenya, Burundi and Congo, and serving over 500 facilities. The company plans to expand across Africa”, Musyoka says.

In 2023, Johnson & Johnson Impact Ventures, an impact fund within the Johnson & Johnson Foundation, invested in VIEBEG Technologies. Their investment supports the firm’s plans to reach more providers and patients through continued growth and expansion in East and Central Africa – namely Rwanda, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

David Higgins, Investments Director at J&J Impact Ventures says: “Reliable supply of essential medical products is one of the most fundamental aspects of a health provider’s success. We are excited to support and grow VIEBEG’s vital work in this space, strengthening the ability of health systems to provide care to their patients.”

Africa’s focus on health tech has the potential to provide more affordable and accessible healthcare to the continent’s 1.5 billion citizens. With 56 percent of Africans unable to access quality care, advances in technology – such as AI, data management, and connectivity – improving medical outcomes offer a real opportunity to leapfrog decades-long challenges.