COVID-19: Healthtech company Kasha receives $1mn investment to expand Africa footprint

Healthtech company Kasha has recently received a $1 million investment from FinnFund, a Finnish financier, to expand its presence in Rwanda and Kenya, as well as to support its expansion into other African countries. Originally, the investment was aimed at boosting the company's operations in these regions. However, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kasha's plans have shifted to focus on contributing to relief efforts during this crisis. Joanna Bichsel, the Founder and CEO of Kasha, shared insights on how the company is collaborating with governments in Kenya and Rwanda to support the COVID-19 response. Kasha has been actively engaged with the ministries of health in both countries, providing essential products such as hand sanitizers, soap, and masks to help people safeguard themselves during the pandemic. By delivering these products to both urban and rural areas, Kasha plays a crucial role in reaching vulnerable populations and ensuring they have access to quality items. Looking ahead, the company intends to utilize the investment to further its expansion within Rwanda and Kenya, focusing on reaching more regions and enhancing its presence in both urban and rural areas. Additionally, Kasha plans to use the funds to fuel its expansion into other African countries, staying true to its mission of promoting women's health and well-being across the continent. As part of its response to the pandemic, Kasha is also considering offering COVID-19 diagnostic kits to enable individuals to access rapid testing. The company's existing expertise in providing self-testing kits for conditions like pregnancy and HIV puts it in a strong position to deliver COVID-19 testing solutions. However, Bichsel highlighted the importance of ensuring that any products offered meet governmental approvals and are accessible to private sectors. By working closely with government bodies in Rwanda and Kenya, Kasha aims to navigate the regulatory landscape and make these services available to the public. Moreover, Kasha is actively collaborating with a range of stakeholders, including other tech startups, government entities, and partners, to harness technology solutions that enhance access to essential health products and information. The company's emphasis on leveraging technology for product access, information dissemination, and service provision underscores its commitment to innovation and efficiency in serving the community. Despite the challenges posed by the current situation, Kasha is adapting its operations to ensure the safety of its workforce. With employees in Rwanda and Kenya now working from home, the company has implemented stringent safety measures for staff involved in order fulfillment and delivery. Enhanced sanitation protocols, personal protective equipment, and regular sanitization of work stations are among the steps taken to safeguard both employees and customers. Looking towards the future, Bichsel expressed optimism about the potential for increased collaboration and innovation in the post-pandemic era. She highlighted the heightened receptiveness of governments to tech solutions, mobile money platforms, and e-commerce services as an opportunity to drive growth and strengthen partnerships in the health sector. By fostering public-private partnerships and leveraging technological advancements, Kasha aims to emerge from the crisis stronger and more resilient, ready to continue its mission of advancing women's health across Africa.