Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) hold the potential to significantly transform the operations and outlook of small pharmacies nationwide. Microsoft’s insights reveal that AI can enhance small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the pharmaceutical sector by improving access to financial services, streamlining processes, and enhancing service delivery. This technological shift promises substantial benefits for national healthcare, including better medicine availability.
Gerald Maithya, General Manager at Microsoft Africa Transformation Office, highlighted these advancements while discussing a new partnership with Kenyan startup Zendawa. He emphasized that AI is revolutionizing pharmaceutical operations across both rural and urban areas of East Africa. This transformation includes creating online access to pharmaceutical services and financing solutions for small businesses and pharmacy shops. Zendawa has teamed up with tech firm Flapmax and Microsoft to deploy AI-powered solutions, setting a new standard in the industry.
Zendawa is demonstrating the significant potential of small businesses in Africa through the adoption of AI. According to Maithya, Microsoft’s mission is to democratize AI breakthroughs, helping local businesses enhance productivity and address pressing continental challenges. The collaboration with Zendawa aims to transform access to quality healthcare in Africa, providing a pivotal support system for small pharmacies.
Through their partnership, Zendawa has established a marketplace where users can order pharmaceutical products online. Leveraging AI, Zendawa efficiently matches these orders to the nearest pharmacy and ensures last-mile delivery. Additionally, the startup utilizes optimized software tools and improved supply chain management to enhance forecasting within pharmacies and access to funding.
Operational expenses represent around 70 percent of annual budgets for pharmacies. To address this, Zendawa offers a digital suite for tracking online and offline sales, using AI to analyze data and develop credit scores. These scores unlock access to capital, enabling pharmacies to restock and manage utilities effectively. Wilfred Chege, Co-founder and CEO, underlined the significance of this approach in fostering financial sustainability for pharmacies.
Currently serving 520 pharmacies, Zendawa aims to reach 10,000 by year-end. This expansion is poised to significantly improve local pharmacies, ensuring the availability of essential medicines across East Africa. Additionally, it will contribute positively to small business development and job creation, driving economic growth in the region.
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