Kera Health Platforms, a Senegalese digital health startup, has raised $10 million in funding from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to expand its AI-driven e-health services across West Africa. The investment reinforces IFC’s commitment to inclusive healthcare innovation across developing regions.
Founded in 2023, Kera Health offers an integrated platform that enables clinics and hospitals to digitise and streamline core services, ranging from electronic medical records and lab results to prescriptions, insurance claims, and payments. The startup focuses on improving access for underserved populations, including informal workers, women, and low-income households.
IFC’s Investment and Vision
The $10 million equity investment is aimed at supporting Kera’s:
- Regional expansion across the WAEMU (West African Economic and Monetary Union)
- Development of affordable, inclusive insurance offerings
- Implementation of AI-powered diagnostic and operational tools
- Strengthening of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) compliance
The investment is pending final board approval by June 20, 2025, according to IFC disclosures.
Kera Health’s Founders and Mission
Kera Health was co-founded by:
- Moustapha Cissé – AI researcher and former Google AI lead in Africa
- Papa Sow – Telecom industry executive
- Hosam Mattar – Healthcare strategy leader
“We’re combining AI and health tech to solve long-standing inefficiencies in African healthcare systems,” said Moustapha Cissé, CTO and co-founder of Kera. “This funding will allow us to scale solutions that make healthcare accessible and effective for all.”
Addressing Africa’s Healthcare Gaps
With fewer than 1 doctor per 10,000 people in Senegal and similar ratios across the WAEMU region, Kera’s technology offers a scalable solution for health service delivery in resource-limited environments. By digitising workflows, Kera aims to improve diagnostics, reduce wait times, and ensure more consistent care.
IFC’s Growing Focus on Healthtech in Africa
IFC’s investment in Kera aligns with its broader agenda of supporting technology-driven social enterprises. It follows recent healthcare tech investments in Africa, including mPharma, Zipline, and Helium Health.
“Kera’s AI-based platform demonstrates how digital innovation can accelerate progress toward universal health coverage in low-income regions,” said an IFC spokesperson.
What’s Next for Kera?
Kera plans to:
- Expand its platform across Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, and Burkina Faso
- Launch mobile tools for health workers and remote clinics
- Integrate telemedicine, fraud prevention, and population health data analytics
- Scale partnerships with local governments and private providers
