- CFAO Healthcare strengthens its East African footprint through the full acquisition of Goodlife Pharmacy, the region’s leading pharmacy chain.
- This development builds on CFAO Healthcare’s minority stake acquired in 2022 and supports its strategy to fully integrate the pharmaceutical value chain, from production to patient delivery.
- The acquisition underlines CFAO Healthcare’s commitment to improving access to quality medicines and healthcare products across Africa.
CFAO Healthcare, a leading pharmaceutical distributor across Africa, has announced the acquisition of 100% ownership of Goodlife Pharmacy, East Africa’s largest private retail pharmacy chain. This strategic move marks a key milestone in CFAO Healthcare’s long-term goal to oversee the entire pharmaceutical value chain — ensuring reliable access to high-quality medical products from manufacturing through to direct patient services.
With nearly 150 pharmacy outlets across Kenya and Uganda, Goodlife Pharmacy serves over 2 million patients annually. The company has pioneered a modern, multi-channel healthcare model, seamlessly integrating in-store pharmacy services, diagnostics, telemedicine, e-commerce, and home delivery.
Having initially acquired a 30% minority stake in 2022, CFAO Healthcare has been convinced by Goodlife Pharmacy’s strong market performance, rapid expansion, and patient trust. This strategic investment positions CFAO Healthcare as a major player in the retail pharmacy industry and aligns with its broader vision of enhancing access to essential medicines and wellness products across Africa.
“By acquiring 100% of Goodlife Pharmacy, we are accelerating our transformation into a comprehensive healthcare provider, spanning from manufacturing and distribution to direct-to-patient services,” said Jean-Marc Leccia, CEO of CFAO Healthcare. “Goodlife has built a highly recognised brand and an extensive network of pharmacies that serve as genuine wellness hubs. Together, we will enhance accessibility, service quality, and innovation within the pharmaceutical sector.”
Goodlife Pharmacy: a growth success story
Goodlife Pharmacy has grown exponentially since receiving the backing of leading impact investment firm LeapFrog Investments in 2017. With the support of LeapFrog’s team, Goodlife has become a recognised leader in the retail pharmacy sector for healthcare products in East Africa, reaching underserved populations and setting new standards for the industry. The chain has transformed from a traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacy into an integrated, omnichannel health hub which now provides employment to more than 500 professionals across its network.
“We are incredibly proud of Goodlife’s journey and its role in expanding healthcare access across East Africa,” said Dr. Biju Mohandas, Partner and Head of Global Healthcare Investments at LeapFrog Investments. “This transaction marks LeapFrog’s full exit from Goodlife. CFAO Healthcare is the right long-term partner to amplify Goodlife’s impact and drive the next phase of its expansion.”
A strategic evolution for CFAO Healthcare
The acquisition of Goodlife Pharmacy represents a significant step in CFAO Healthcare’s strategy to integrate retail into its pharmaceutical value chain, ensuring greater control over the supply and distribution of essential medicines.
“CFAO Healthcare has spent decades building the strongest pan-African pharmaceutical network across the Continent,” added Jean-Marc Leccia. “This acquisition moves us closer to the patient, ensuring that high-quality, affordable medicines and wellness products are more accessible than ever before.”
The acquisition has received all necessary regulatory approvals and is effective immediately. CFAO Healthcare and Goodlife Pharmacy will work together to ensure a seamless transition, maintaining the high standards of service and quality that customers trust.
