Africa’s pharmaceutical market is in the middle of a transformation. The sector is expected to grow from USD 27.43 billion in 2024 to USD 38.24 billion by 2033[1], and mobile phone penetration now exceeds 80 per cent in many countries[2]. This growth is happening alongside a digital revolution that is changing how medicines are ordered, delivered and used. For wholesalers and distributors like Logan Pharmaceuticals, these trends create opportunities to reach more customers and support better health outcomes across the continent.
Why digital health matters in Africa
Mobile connectivity has leapfrogged many of the traditional barriers to healthcare access. Telemedicine, electronic prescriptions and online pharmacies let patients consult doctors and order medicines without travelling long distances. The African Union’s Digital Health Strategy for Africa emphasises the need to integrate digital tools into health systems[2]. For exporters, understanding this landscape is key to partnering with local platforms and ensuring supply chains keep pace with demand.
A market ready for innovation
Although the market is expanding, Africa still imports a high proportion of its pharmaceuticals. Nearly 60 per cent of medicines consumed in Africa are imported[3], and many countries import more than 95 per cent of active pharmaceutical ingredients[4]. Heavy reliance on imports can mean higher costs and shortages when global supply chains are disrupted[5]. Digital health platforms help mitigate these risks by improving demand forecasting and inventory management.
Digital health platforms and e‑pharmacies
Digital health platforms connect patients with healthcare providers and pharmacies through mobile apps and websites. In Nigeria, LifeBank uses data and smart logistics to deliver blood, oxygen and other medical products to hospitals within minutes[6]. The company uses bikes, boats, trucks and drones, ensuring deliveries are fast even in rural areas.
In Kenya and Uganda, MyDawa offers an integrated platform with online doctor consultations, lab testing, e‑prescriptions and medication delivery[7]. Patients can order medicines, upload prescriptions and have their medications delivered to their doorstep. These services reduce the need for physical travel and improve adherence to treatments.
Telemedicine has also expanded rapidly. Kenya’s medical regulator approved telemedicine services for hospitals during the COVID‑19 pandemic[8]. Apps like AfyaBora, Health Connect 247 and Hello Doctor allow patients to consult doctors remotely and receive prescriptions that are then filled by partner pharmacies or e‑pharmacies[9]. Such services are crucial in regions where 70 per cent of people live in rural areas with limited access to healthcare facilities[10].
Last‑mile innovation: drones and smart logistics
Poor road infrastructure often limits medicine distribution in Africa. Drone technology is emerging as a viable solution for last‑mile delivery. In Rwanda, Zipline’s drone network has delivered more than 35 per cent of the country’s blood supply, with over 13,000 flights[11]. Ghana’s drone programme, launched in 2019, has delivered more than 150 essential medicines to 12 million patients across 2,000 facilities[12]. These programmes have cut delivery times, reduced wastage and ensured that rural clinics get critical supplies quickly.
LifeBank integrates drones into its operations, further enhancing speed and reach. Such innovations not only save lives but also provide rich data on supply and demand, enabling better planning and forecasting.
Market growth and opportunity
The following table summarises key trends relevant to digital health and pharmaceutical distribution in Africa:
| Trend | Insight | Evidence |
| Market growth | Africa’s pharmaceutical market is projected to grow to USD 38.24 billion by 2033 | MarketDataForecast report[1] |
| Import dependence | About 60 % of medicines and more than 95 % of active pharmaceutical ingredients are imported | MarketDataForecast[3]; Think Global Health[4] |
| Digital health adoption | Mobile penetration > 80 %, e‑pharmacy platforms and telemedicine are transforming access to medicines | MarketDataForecast[2] |
| Drone delivery | Zipline delivers > 35 % of Rwanda’s blood supply via drones; Ghana’s programme serves 12 million patients | Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy & Practice[11][12] |
How wholesalers and exporters can engage
For companies like Logan Pharmaceuticals, the rise of digital health is not just a technological curiosity—it is a path to market resilience and growth:
- Partner with e‑pharmacy platforms. Collaborating with platforms such as MyDawa or LifeBank can expand distribution networks and ensure that medicines reach patients quickly. These partners often need reliable suppliers to maintain stock, presenting an opportunity for exporters.
- Support last‑mile logistics. Engaging with logistics innovators—whether drone operators or companies using motorcycles and boats—can reduce delivery times in remote areas. Providing packaging solutions that preserve temperature-sensitive medicines during drone flights enhances value.
- Align with regulatory and policy frameworks. The African Union’s digital health strategy encourages integration of digital tools and stronger regulatory oversight[2]. Understanding local regulations for telemedicine, e‑pharmacies and drone deliveries helps ensure compliance and smooth operations.
- Leverage data for market intelligence. Digital platforms generate real-time data on demand patterns, stock levels and patient preferences. Exporters can use this information to forecast needs, adjust inventory and plan future investments.
Conclusion
Africa’s healthcare landscape is evolving rapidly. Digital health and e‑pharmacy platforms are improving access to medicines, while drones and smart logistics are overcoming last‑mile barriers. As the market grows and technology adoption accelerates, wholesalers and exporters who engage with these innovations will be well-positioned to serve customers and support better health outcomes. Logan Pharmaceuticals can play an active role by partnering with digital platforms, supporting logistics solutions and staying ahead of regulatory developments. Doing so will not only drive business growth but also contribute to strengthening healthcare systems across Africa.
[1] [2] [3] Africa Pharmaceutical Market Size & Share, 2033
https://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/africa-pharmaceutical-market
[4] Africa’s Shift From Aid Dependency | Think Global Health
https://www.thinkglobalhealth.org/article/africas-shift-aid-dependency
[5] Challenges to the Availability and Affordability of Essential Medicines in African Countries: A Scoping Review – PMC
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10276598/
[6] LifeBank Improves Healthcare in Africa – The Borgen Project
https://borgenproject.org/lifebank/
[7] Kenyan e-health startup MYDAWA secures undisclosed funding round for expansion – Disrupt Africa
[8] [9] [10] How Telemedicine is Transforming Healthcare in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa
[11] [12] The evolution of medication delivery via drones: revolutionizing healthcare logistics – PMC
