DawaMom

Intersectional Problems

First-Face| Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a rare genetic blood disorder affecting millions worldwide. It is estimated that 5% of the global population carries the sickle cell trait, and approximately 300,000 infants are born with SCD annually (World Health Organization, 2020).

SCD is most prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, where approximately 75% of infants with the disease are born leading to various health problems: 

• anemia, 
• organ damage
• debilitating pain
• increased risk of infections.

The burden of SCD is expected to increase globally, with estimates suggesting that by 2050, the number of newborns with the disease will exceed 400,000 annually. This increase is due to a combination of factors, including population growth, improved survival rates of children with SCD, and lack of access to prenatal screening and counseling (Piel et al., 2013).

In Africa, SCD is a major public health problem estimated at least 3% of all births. The high prevalence of SCD in Africa can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a high carrier rate, lack of access to screening and treatment, and limited public health interventions (Piel et al., 2013).

Furthermore, due to limited access to healthcare and diagnostic services, many cases of SCD go undiagnosed and untreated in Africa. This can lead to severe health complications and premature mortality among affected individuals. In addition, the burden of SCD in Africa is compounded by other factors such as poverty, malnutrition, and co-infections with other diseases such as malaria and HIV/AIDS (Makani et al., 2018).

In Zambia, SCD is also a significant health concern with an estimated SCD trait prevalence of 18% (Simwangala et al., 2022) & an SCD prevalence of 1-2% (Kings Health Partners, 2021). Despite all the efforts by the Ministries of Health and stakeholders, much work remains to be done to improve the quality of life of those affected by SCD regionally.

Second-Face| First-Level clinicians & Community Health Workers (CHWs), an important bridge of last-mile health support in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), are undervalued and mostly underpaid.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, dozens of thousands of trained, qualified, and licensed first-level clinicians (clinical officers, nurse aids, medical licentiates) are not employed due to government budgetary constraints, undermining the Universal Health Coverage global goal. In Zambia alone, over 5,000 licensed first-level clinicians are not employed or forced to work as volunteers (Health Workers Association of Zambia, 2022).

Third-Face| Data Sharing & Research on rare diseases like Sickle Cell disease are limited and not understood in low-resource settings like Zambia. This undermines the resources, time invested, and overall health outcomes of patients living with rare diseases.

There is a need for effective and sustainable models that improve screening, diagnosis, prevention programs, and supportive tools for rare diseases in low-resource settings like Sub-Saharan Africa to achieve the global goal of Universal Health Coverage.

Dawa Health democratizes primary healthcare access through technology and innovative business models, leveraging point-of-care technology and networks of first-level clinicians and community health workers (CHWs).

DawaMom is an AI-powered mobile clinic that democratizes maternal, neonatal, and pediatric health access through various channels such as web-mobile apps & text/audio/video WhatsApp chatbots and provides tailored weekly advice in multiple languages. This empowers patients to identify urgent risk factors and conveniently schedule home/community-based visits from a network of clinical officers and medical licentiates available on the DawaMom platform.

DawaMom is utilizing innovative models and digital health tools to improve access to screening, diagnosis, prevention programs, and supportive tools for individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD), ultimately leading to better health outcomes. The network of field clinicians is equipped with information handbooks and point-of-care technology, including the SickleSCAN® test kit. This test kit enables any healthcare provider to identify individuals with the sickle cell gene or SCD (Biomedomics, 2019). Additionally, first-level clinicians receive telehealth support services from specialists via Virtual Doctors partnership to make timely and correct field clinical decisions.

By implementing the DawaMom model, outpatient support services become more accessible for SCD patients, thereby reducing the need for hospital admissions and occurrences of sickle-cell crisis events. Additionally, with a mobile penetration rate of 101.2 percent in Zambia (ZICTA, 2023), there is potential for utilizing digital health tools to democratize access to SCD support and preventative programs. 

The DawaMom model has already demonstrated success in improving access to antenatal services, benefiting over 5,000 individuals and facilitating over 10,000 chat interactions on the NLP-powered WhatsApp bot. Notably, approximately 84% of women who received the DawaMom point-of-care hemoglobin (Hb) tests had not undergone any antenatal blood tests previously, putting them at risk of undiagnosed maternal anemia. Moreover, only 5% of patients who received community-based consultations and triage experienced adverse obstetric outcomes, all of which were miscarriages.

The patients pay a consultation fee to receive home/community-based consultation services. Additionally, the patient will separately pay for any additional required tests, such as hemoglobin level tests or ultrasound scans. DawaMom has a revenue-sharing model with the clinicians for the services they provide on the platform.

Furthermore, the clinicians also pay a monthly subscription fee to be able to accept jobs on the DawaMom platform. The fee paid by the clinician is allocated towards the resupply of the non-reusable consumables they use to provide triage services in the field on the DawaMom platform. The data generated by DawaMom activities in the field is shared on the national DHIS2 HMIS system, aiding in capturing data and aggregating disease trends across Zambia. This facilitates effective information sharing among stakeholders in the health space.

Lastly, all the biological and clinical waste generated by providing home or community-based consultations and triage services by field clinicians is collected by the DawaMom mobile clinic van during its routine movements to be taken for incineration. This initiative reduces the carbon footprint of care support for rare diseases like Sickle Cell Disease.

The DawaMom solution is designed to serve individuals affected by sickle cell disease (SCD) in Zambia, with a particular focus on the pediatric population, when improved access to healthcare can directly their development and transition to useful members of the communities.

The target population includes individuals of African descent, particularly in Zambia, where there has been a significant increase in SCD cases, test positivity, and mortality rates. The Ministry of Health of Zambia has recognized SCD as a public health crisis in the country. The impact of SCD on the overall development, secondary sexual characteristics, and maternal health outcomes in Zambia is not well understood, highlighting the need for further research and intervention.

To understand the needs of the target population, efforts have been made to gather data and insights. Initiatives like the African Research and Innovative Initiative for Sickle Cell Education (ARISE) have been launched to improve early diagnosis and intervention for newborns with SCD. Additionally, studies have been conducted to assess the prevalence of SCD and teenage pregnancy in Zambia. These research efforts help in identifying the specific challenges and requirements of the target population.

As the DawaMom solution is developed, active engagement with the target population is crucial, especially with pediatric patients and caregivers of individuals with SCD. This includes conducting retrospective cross-sectional studies, interviews, and surveys to gather feedback and insights. By involving the target population in the development of the solution, their voices are heard, and their unique needs are effectively addressed.

The DawaMom solution aims to address the needs of individuals with SCD by leveraging innovative models and digital health tools. It focuses on enhancing access to screening, diagnosis, prevention programs, and supportive tools for SCD patients. The solution achieves this by providing point-of-care technology and empowering a network of field clinicians. This enables the timely identification of individuals with the sickle cell gene or SCD and facilitates outpatient support services, reducing the need for hospital admissions and occurrences of sickle-cell crisis events. Through these efforts, the DawaMom solution strives to directly and meaningfully improve the lives of individuals affected by SCD in Zambia and Sub-Saharan Africa as a whole.

The DawaMom team is well-positioned to deliver this solution due to our proximity to the Sickle Cell Disease community in Zambia and our commitment to understanding their needs. While we have important academic, technical, medical, business training, and professional credentials to address this problem, our biggest strength lies in our deep connection and understanding of the target population.

The Team Lead and team members have close ties to the communities affected by sickle cell disease (SCD) in Zambia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Some team members have personal experiences with SCD, and we have actively sought collaboration with SCD patients in the development of our DawaMom maternal health solution. Additionally, our team includes a medical licentiate who is living with SCD, bringing a unique perspective and empathy towards the challenges faced by the community. This proximity allows us to truly empathize with their experiences, struggles, and aspirations.

From left to Right: Tafadzwa Munzwa (DawaMom CEO), VSI volunteer, Natasha Kashimoto (Sickle Cell Disease patient & medical licentiate who translated DawaMom content to Nyanja)

To understand the needs of the communities we serve, we actively engage with them throughout the design and development process. We conduct extensive research, including retrospective cross-sectional studies, interviews, and surveys, to gather their insights and feedback. This ensures that we hear their voices and tailor our solution to their specific requirements.

We collaborate with community representatives, healthcare providers, and local organizations to co-create and refine the DawaMom solution. We involve them in decision-making processes, seeking their input, ideas, and agendas. By incorporating their perspectives, we ensure that the design and implementation of the solution are meaningful and aligned with the priorities and values of the communities.

Throughout the development of the solution, we continuously seek community feedback and conduct pilot programs to validate and refine our approach. By involving the communities at every step of the process, we ensure that the solution truly addresses their needs and has a positive impact on their lives.

We are applying to the Horizon Prize because the goals and focus areas align closely with the mission and objectives of our project, DawaMom. We recognize the urgent need to address rare disease healthcare challenges, and we are committed to reducing carbon footprints while centering patient priorities.

Specifically, we believe that the Prize can help us overcome several barriers that we currently face. Financially, securing funding for research and development, as well as scaling our solution, is a significant challenge. The Prize would provide the financial support needed to advance our technology-based solution and accelerate its implementation in the rare disease healthcare space with a focus on Sickle Cell Disease.

From a technical standpoint, we aim to enhance efficiencies in service delivery, clinical trials, and research, including data collection and sharing. This requires robust technological infrastructure, interoperability, and data privacy compliance, which are complex and resource-intensive to establish. The Prize will provide the technical expertise and resources to help us overcome these barriers and optimize our solution for efficient and secure data management in the rare disease healthcare sector in Sub-Sahara Africa.

In terms of market barriers, there are limited awareness and adoption of innovative solutions that decrease carbon footprints in the rare disease healthcare space. The Prize would provide a platform and recognition to showcase our solution, enabling us to reach a broader audience and potentially raise more funding to scale the solution to the rest of tropical regions affected by Sickle Cell Disease. Additionally, the Prize's network and connections can help us forge partnerships with relevant stakeholders, including healthcare providers, patient organizations, and industry leaders, to drive adoption and create a sustainable impact.

Our Team Lead, Tafadzwa, has a strong connection to the community in which our project is based. He has lived and worked in the community for many years, establishing deep relationships and gaining a firsthand understanding of the challenges and needs of the people. Tafadzwa actively engages with community members, including patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, and local organizations working in the Sickle Cell disease space.

As the principal investigator for the research investigating the complications associated with Sickle Cell disease at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia. Tafadzwa has a comprehensive understanding of the disease and its impact on the community. Through his involvement in various community initiatives and partnerships, he has developed a network of individuals and organizations dedicated to improving healthcare outcomes for Sickle Cell patients. This connection enables us to collaborate effectively, gather insights, and ensure that our project aligns with the community's priorities and values.

Tafadzwa actively participates in events, meetings, and support groups related to hematology and oncology, which address diseases like Sickle Cell disease. Additionally, as a medical doctor based at the University Teaching Hospital, he has firsthand knowledge of the social, cultural, and economic factors that impact healthcare access and delivery in the community.

Furthermore, as part of scaling the DawaMom solution, Tafadzwa has been instrumental in raising awareness about maternal and child healthcare and promoting patient-centered care. He works closely with patient organizations, amplifying the voices of patients and caregivers, and advocating for policies and resources that address their unique needs. Tafadzwa's deep involvement and dedication to the community make him and our team well-positioned to design and deliver solutions that address the specific needs of the Sickle Cell disease community.

Our solution, DawaMom, is innovative and sustainable in several ways.

First, we leverage point-of-care technology and digital health tools to improve access to screening, diagnosis, prevention programs, and supportive tools for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) patients. This approach enables timely identification and intervention, reducing the need for hospital admissions and SCD-related complications. By leveraging mobile technology, we make healthcare more accessible and convenient for patients, especially in remote or underserved areas.

Second, our solution actively engages the community and incorporates their feedback in the design and development process. We conduct research, interviews, and surveys to understand their unique needs and perspectives. This patient-centered approach ensures that our solution is tailored to address their specific challenges, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes.

Our innovative model also involves the collaboration of a network of field clinicians and community health workers who provide and support home/community-based consultations and triage services. This decentralized approach brings healthcare closer to the patients, enhancing accessibility and reducing the burden on hospitals and healthcare facilities.

By approaching the problem of SCD in a new and comprehensive way, DawaMom has the potential to catalyze broader positive impacts in the healthcare space. Our solution not only addresses the immediate needs of SCD patients but also contributes to the overall improvement of primary healthcare access in underserved communities. The success of DawaMom could inspire and motivate others to develop similar technology-based solutions that prioritize patient needs and enhance healthcare delivery.

Furthermore, the introduction of our solution could change the market dynamics by shifting the focus towards patient-centered care and leveraging technology for better healthcare outcomes. It could encourage healthcare providers, policymakers, and organizations to invest in innovative approaches that prioritize accessibility, convenience, and patient empowerment.

Our impact goals for the next year and the next five years are as follows:

Next year (Year 1):

1. Increase access to screening and early diagnosis: Our goal is to reach a broader population of individuals at risk of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and ensure early detection through screening initiatives. We aim to collaborate with local healthcare providers, community organizations, and government agencies to expand our reach and conduct targeted awareness campaigns.

2. Improve healthcare outcomes: We aim to reduce the number of SCD-related complications, hospital admissions, and sickle-cell crisis events by providing timely and effective outpatient support services. Through our network of field clinicians and community health workers, we will prioritize preventive measures, personalized care plans, and ongoing monitoring to improve the overall health outcomes of SCD patients.

Next five years (Years 2-5):

1. Scale and expand our solution: Our goal is to scale the DawaMom solution beyond Zambia and Sub-Saharan Africa, reaching more regions affected by SCD. We plan to collaborate with international partners, leverage technology infrastructure, and adapt our solution to different cultural contexts to ensure maximum impact. By expanding our reach, we aim to improve the lives of a significant number of SCD patients and their communities globally.

2. Advocate for policy changes and resource allocation: We will actively engage with policymakers, healthcare institutions, and international organizations to advocate for policy changes that prioritize SCD and other rare disease healthcare and allocate sufficient resources for screening, treatment, and support services. By influencing policy and resource allocation, we aim to create a sustainable ecosystem that supports the long-term management and well-being of SCD patients.

3. Foster community empowerment and education: Our goal is to empower individuals and communities affected by SCD through education, training, and support programs. We will collaborate with local organizations and patient advocacy groups to provide resources, knowledge, and skills that enable self-management and improve the quality of life for SCD patients and their caregivers.

To achieve these impact goals, we will employ the following strategies:

• Strengthen partnerships and collaborations with local stakeholders, healthcare providers, and international organizations to expand our reach and influence.
• Continuously gather and incorporate feedback from the community to ensure our solution remains responsive to their evolving needs.
• Leverage technology advancements and innovations like machine learning to enhance the efficiency, accessibility, and scalability of our solution.
• Conduct research and evaluation studies to measure the impact of our interventions and identify areas for improvement.
• Advocate for policy changes, raise awareness, and build alliances to drive systemic changes in SCD healthcare.

Through these strategies, we aim to create a transformational impact on the lives of SCD patients, their families, and communities, ultimately improving healthcare outcomes and quality of life for those affected by this condition.

To measure our progress toward our impact goals, we are using a combination of specific indicators that align with our solution and the UN Sustainable Development Goals that include:

1. Number of individuals screened: We track the number of individuals who have been screened for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) through our initiatives. This helps us assess our reach and the effectiveness of our screening programs in identifying individuals at risk.

2. Timelines of diagnosis: We measure the average time it takes from screening to diagnosis for individuals identified as at-risk or with suspected SCD. By monitoring the timeliness of diagnosis, we can ensure early intervention and prompt access to appropriate care.

3. Reduction in SCD-related complications: We track the number of hospital admissions, sickle-cell crisis events, and severe complications related to SCD. By monitoring these indicators, we can assess the effectiveness of our outpatient support services in reducing the burden of complications and improving overall healthcare outcomes.

4. Awareness and knowledge levels: We conduct surveys and interviews to assess the awareness and knowledge levels of the target population regarding SCD. This helps us gauge the impact of our education and awareness campaigns in improving understanding, self-management, and prevention practices.

5. Policy and resource changes: We monitor the progress in policy changes and resource allocation related to SCD healthcare. This includes tracking the adoption of guidelines, the establishment of dedicated programs, and the allocation of funding for screening, treatment, and support services.

6. Partnerships and collaborations: We assess the number and quality of partnerships and collaborations established with local stakeholders, healthcare providers, and international organizations. This helps us evaluate the effectiveness of our engagement efforts and the breadth of support for our solution.

These indicators allow us to track our progress, evaluate the effectiveness of our interventions, and make data-informed decisions to improve our impact. We continuously review and refine our indicators to ensure they accurately reflect the outcomes we aim to achieve and align with the broader sustainable development agenda.

At DawaMom, we believe that our solution can have a significant impact on the problem of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). Our theory of change and why we expect our solution to make a difference:

1. Activities: We are implementing a comprehensive approach that includes screening, diagnosis, prevention programs, and supportive tools for individuals with SCD.

2. Outputs: By leveraging innovative models and digital health tools, we aim to improve access to screening, timely diagnosis, and outpatient support services for SCD patients. We provide point-of-care technology and empower a network of field clinicians to ensure efficient and effective care delivery.

3. Outcomes:

   • Early Identification and Intervention: Through our screening efforts, we expect to identify individuals at risk of SCD early on. Timely diagnosis and intervention can lead to better disease management and improved health outcomes.

   • Reduced Complications and Hospitalizations: By providing outpatient support services and empowering patients with knowledge and tools, we anticipate a decrease in the number of SCD-related complications, hospital admissions, and sickle-cell crisis events.

   • Improved Quality of Life: With enhanced access to care and ongoing support, we aim to improve the overall quality of life for individuals with SCD. This includes better management of pain, reduction in healthcare-related expenses, and improved emotional well-being.

4. Impact: Our ultimate goal is to transform the lives of individuals affected by SCD by reducing the burden of the disease and improving their overall health and well-being. We envision a future where SCD patients can lead fulfilling lives, free from unnecessary suffering and limitations caused by the disease.

We base our theory of change on research findings, insights from interviews with the target population, and ongoing evaluation of our solution's impact. By addressing the key challenges of SCD through a holistic and patient-centered approach, we expect to create meaningful and lasting positive change in the lives of those affected by the disease.

The core technology that powers our solution, DawaMom, is a combination of digital health tools, APIs, and point-of-care technology. We utilize various technologies to enhance access to healthcare services and support for individuals with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). Here are some key components of our technology:

1. Mobile Applications: We have developed mobile applications for smartphones that serve as a primary interface for users and clinicians. These apps provide access to tailored health advice, educational resources, appointment scheduling, and communication with healthcare providers.

2. Web Portal: Our web portal serves as an additional access point for users who prefer to interact with the solution through a web browser. It offers similar features and functionalities as the mobile applications.

3. Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI algorithms power the intelligent features of our solution. These algorithms analyze user data, including symptoms, medical history, and risk factors, to provide personalized recommendations and alerts. AI also enables language translation services and chatbot interactions.

4. Point-of-Care Technology: We leverage point-of-care technologies, such as diagnostic test kits, to enable screening and quick diagnosis of SCD. These technologies facilitate the timely identification of individuals with the sickle cell gene or SCD, allowing for early intervention and improved disease management.

5. Data Analytics: We employ data analytics tools to process and analyze large amounts of healthcare data. This helps us identify trends, patterns, and insights that inform decision-making, optimize care pathways, and improve the overall effectiveness of our solution.

6. Communication Technologies: Our solution incorporates various communication channels like WhatsApp, including text, audio, and video, to facilitate seamless interactions between patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers. This includes features like real-time messaging, video consultations, and remote monitoring.

The core technology behind DawaMom enables us to deliver personalized, accessible, and efficient healthcare services to individuals with SCD. It harnesses the power of digital tools, AI, and data analytics to improve screening, diagnosis, prevention, and support for SCD patients, ultimately enhancing their quality of life and health outcomes.

The DawaMom team consists of 6 full-time and 3 part-time staff members who serve as the core team responsible for coordinating operations, clinician and patient support, and training programs. We also have 120 field clinicians who are registered and vetted on the DawaMom platform. These field clinicians provide community and home-based consultations, as well as triage services. In addition to working directly with patients, the field clinicians collaborate with community-based community health workers (CHWs) who assist in identifying patients at the community level.

3 years.

The current Dawa Health management team includes six executives from two countries, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The team is diverse, representing different ethnicities, genders, and cultural backgrounds. We strongly believe that having a diverse leadership team brings a wide range of perspectives and ideas to our decision-making processes, ensuring that our solutions are inclusive and equitable. Additionally, our Advisory Board consists of accomplished individuals from various countries, including the UK, Spain, India, Kenya, France, the USA, and Zambia.

As an organization, we have set specific goals to increase diversity within our team. We actively seek to recruit and hire field clinicians, especially from underrepresented groups, to ensure that our team reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. To achieve this, we have implemented inclusive hiring practices, such as expanding our recruitment networks, utilizing diverse interview panels, and providing equal opportunities for all applicants.

In addition to our internal efforts, we actively collaborate with local organizations and community leaders who represent and advocate for marginalized groups. By engaging with these stakeholders, we ensure that our solutions are developed in partnership with the communities they are designed to serve. We listen to their perspectives, experiences, and needs, incorporating their insights into the design and implementation of our projects.

Creating an inclusive environment within our organization is also a top priority. We foster a culture of respect, support, and open communication, where all team members are welcomed and valued. We provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities to ensure that our team members are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate diversity and inclusion effectively.

Through these actions, our goal is to build a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization that not only reflects the communities we serve but also creates solutions that address the unique needs and challenges faced by marginalized groups. We recognize that true innovation and meaningful impact can only be achieved when all voices are heard, valued, and empowered.

Our business model is based on providing value to the populations we serve by offering innovative healthcare solutions and services. Our key customers and beneficiaries include individuals with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), caregivers, healthcare providers, and organizations involved in SCD care.

We offer a range of products and services to address the needs of our target population. These include the DawaMom solution, which leverages digital health tools and innovative models to enhance access to screening, diagnosis, prevention programs, and supportive tools for SCD patients. Through the DawaMom platform, patients and caregivers can access information, resources, and support, empowering them to manage the disease effectively. We also provide point-of-care technology and a network of field clinicians who offer community-based consultations and triage services.

Our products and services are designed to meet the specific needs of individuals with SCD and their caregivers. They provide convenient access to healthcare information, support in managing the disease, and timely interventions to prevent complications. The DawaMom platform helps patients and caregivers stay informed, connected, and engaged in their healthcare journey, leading to improved health outcomes and quality of life.

The demand for our products and services stems from the pressing need for improved SCD care and management. SCD is a chronic condition that requires ongoing monitoring, preventive measures, and access to timely interventions. By offering user-friendly and accessible solutions, we address the challenges faced by individuals with SCD and provide them with the tools and resources they need to effectively manage their health.

In terms of revenue generation, our business model incorporates a combination of strategies. We offer certain products and services on a subscription or usage basis, where customers pay for access to consultations and specific tests on the DawaMom platform. Additionally, we explore partnerships with healthcare institutions, insurance providers, and organizations involved in SCD care to establish collaborations and generate revenue streams. These partnerships include voucher payments, implementing our solutions within their healthcare systems, or participating in research initiatives.

Our plan for achieving financial sustainability involves a combination of revenue streams to cover our expected expenses and fund our work in the long term. These revenue streams include:

1. Sales of Products and Services: We generate revenue by offering our products and services to individuals with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), caregivers, and healthcare providers. This includes consultation fees and access to specific tests on the DawaMom platform, which are paid by patients through insurance schemes or cash. We also receive vouchers from NGO partners that cover the cost of services for patients. The revenue generated from these services is shared between the DawaMom field clinicians and Dawa Health. Additionally, the network of field clinicians pays a monthly subscription fee to accept jobs on the platform. This subscription fee helps cover the costs of resupplying the non-reusable consumables they use to provide services in the field.

2. Partnerships and Collaborations: We seek partnerships with healthcare institutions, research organizations, and organizations involved in SCD care. These collaborations can involve implementing our solutions within their healthcare systems or participating in research initiatives. Through such partnerships, we can generate revenue through service contracts or shared funding for research and development.

3. Grants and Donations: We actively pursue grants and donations from foundations, philanthropic organizations, and government agencies that align with our mission and vision. These funds provide critical support for our research and development efforts, as well as operational expenses. We continually seek opportunities to secure sustained funding through competitive grant applications and strategic partnerships.

4. Investment Capital: As we grow and demonstrate the impact and scalability of our solutions, we may explore opportunities to raise investment capital from impact investors, venture capitalists, or social impact funds. This capital infusion can provide the necessary resources to expand our operations, enhance our technology, and reach a wider audience.

By diversifying our revenue streams and combining these different funding sources, we aim to achieve financial sustainability. We prioritize building strong relationships with our customers, partners, and funders to ensure ongoing support and generate sustainable revenue. We also continuously assess our financial performance, adjust our pricing models, and explore new market opportunities to optimize revenue generation and manage expenses effectively.

We have received grants: 

• Tony Elemelu Foundation (TEF)
• Villgro Africa
• MITSolve
• Johnson & Johnson Impact Ventures
• Patrick J McGovern Foundation

We have received pre-seed investment funding from Startup Bootcamp Afritech