Healthtech is one of the most sought-after segments in the tech sector. Solutions are emerging from all corners to simplify daily life for African populations.

PharMap, a healthtech solution developed by a Beninese startup, allows users to locate and order medications online in less than ten minutes. The startup, co-founded by Anourah Mazu in 2021, aims to streamline access to high-quality medications in Africa, with a particular focus on Benin.

The startup explains, “In Africa, a patient may have to visit over 15 different pharmacies before finding a needed medication. This often leads to the use of counterfeit drugs, resulting in medical complications, or even worse, fatalities. We’re creating the first system that enables you to locate the nearest pharmacies that stock the medications you need.”

To accomplish its mission, PharMap utilizes a mobile app, available on iOS and Android. The Android app has been downloaded over 10,000 times according to Play Store statistics. It also uses the WhatsApp messaging application. After downloading the mobile app, users need to create an account to access services such as "Trouver un médicament (Find a Medication)" and "Trouver une pharmacie (Find a Pharmacy)."

The “Find a Medication” feature enables users to check the availability and price of a medication at nearby pharmacies based on their location. Users can either type the name of the medication into the search bar or send a photo of the prescription. The “Find a Pharmacy” service helps users locate pharmacies in a specific geographical area or those nearest to their current location.

Users can also order medications directly from pharmacies via the app’s interface, make an online payment, and then pick up their order at the pharmacy. For PharMap’s service via WhatsApp, users simply need to save the healthtech’s number and send their request via message. They will receive a response to their query in less than ten minutes, according to the startup.

Adoni Conrad Quenum