Breaking Boundaries: How to Excel as a Doctorpreneur in Africa

Hamza Asumah, MD, MBA

Africa, a continent blessed with rich cultural diversity and an abundance of natural resources, is also home to numerous health challenges and opportunities.

Historically, the healthcare landscape in Africa has been characterized by a myriad of complex challenges. From the remnants of colonial systems which did not prioritize healthcare infrastructure to the immense burden of communicable diseases, healthcare in Africa has often been reactive rather than proactive. Traditional healthcare systems were primarily focused on the treatment of diseases rather than preventative measures.

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In the post-colonial era, healthcare began to evolve, albeit at a slow pace. Health initiatives were often funded by foreign donors and focused mainly on communicable diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. While these initiatives had some success, they were not sufficient to handle the full spectrum of health challenges faced by the continent. Moreover, they were not designed to be self-sustaining and thus, often collapsed when funding dried up.

Over time, it became increasingly clear that a different approach was needed – one that was proactive, sustainable, and centered on the unique needs of the African population. This reality, coupled with the advent of the digital revolution, set the stage for the emergence of doctorpreneurs.

Doctorpreneurs, leveraging their medical knowledge and entrepreneurial skills, are creating innovative and sustainable solutions to Africa’s health challenges. They are building upon the foundations laid by historical health initiatives, but with a keen focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and technology.

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For instance, in the early 2000s, telemedicine was virtually nonexistent in Africa. Today, thanks to doctorpreneurs like Dr. William Mapham and Temie Giwa-Tubosun, telemedicine and digital health solutions are revolutionizing healthcare delivery in Africa, especially in remote and underserved areas.

Furthermore, doctorpreneurs are addressing health challenges that have historically been neglected, such as mental health. Dr. Olivia Kwapong, a psychologist and doctorpreneur from Ghana, founded Thought Space, an online platform that provides mental health services to Africans, a service that was scarce a few decades ago.

Here’s how you can excel as a doctorpreneur in Africa.

Understanding the Landscape

Firstly, it’s important to understand the unique challenges and opportunities that exist within Africa’s healthcare sector. Access to quality healthcare is still a challenge in many parts of Africa. According to the World Bank, Africa has the highest disease burden in the world, with a significant percentage of the population suffering from communicable diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis.

On the other hand, the continent also presents opportunities. The African Development Bank reported that by 2030, the health expenditure in Africa is expected to reach $259 billion, offering huge opportunities for innovative healthcare solutions.

Spotting the Opportunities

To be a successful doctorpreneur, you must be able to identify gaps in the healthcare system and provide innovative solutions to address them. This often involves creating products or services that improve healthcare delivery. For instance, Dr. William Mapham, an ophthalmologist, founded Vula Mobile, a referral app that connects primary healthcare workers in remote areas with specialists in hospitals. The app has revolutionized healthcare delivery in rural areas, providing critical access to specialist healthcare.

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Building a Strong Network

Networking is crucial to success as a doctorpreneur. Connect with other healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and policy makers. These relationships can provide valuable insights, guidance, and funding opportunities. Attending healthcare and entrepreneurship conferences, seminars, and workshops can help you grow your network.

Leveraging Technology

The digital revolution has transformed every sector, including healthcare. As a doctorpreneur, leveraging technology can help you deliver cost-effective, high-quality care. Telemedicine, electronic health records, mobile health apps, and AI are just a few examples of how technology is being used to improve healthcare in Africa. For instance, LifeBank, founded by Temie Giwa-Tubosun, uses data and technology to deliver essential medical products, such as blood and oxygen, to hospitals across Africa.

Partnering with the Community

Successful doctorpreneurs understand the importance of community involvement. Partnering with the community can help you understand their unique needs, build trust, and ensure the success of your venture. Dr. Patricia Nkansah-Asamoah led the successful elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV at the Tema General Hospital in Ghana through her work with the community.

Learning Business Skills

While medical training equips doctors with the skills to provide healthcare, it often does not provide the business skills necessary to start and run a venture. As a doctorpreneur, you must be willing to learn these skills. This might involve going back to school or finding a mentor.

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In conclusion, the journey to becoming a successful doctorpreneur involves understanding the unique African healthcare landscape, identifying opportunities, building a strong network, leveraging technology, partnering with the community, and learning business skills. By doing this, you can make a significant impact on healthcare in Africa, improving the lives of millions of people.

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