CFAO Healthcare has acquired 100 per cent of Goodlife Pharmacy, taking full control of the largest private retail pharmacy chain in East Africa.
The CEO of CFAO Healthcare Jean-Marc Leccia said the acquisition forms part of its broader plan to become a fully integrated healthcare provider across Africa.
“By acquiring 100 per cent 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.
The acquisition follows an earlier minority investment by CFAO Healthcare, which bought a 30 per cent stake in Goodlife Pharmacy in 2022.
The company said it made the decision to acquire full ownership after evaluating Goodlife’s growth, patient reach, and market performance.
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CFAO Healthcare said the deal aligns with its strategy to manage the entire pharmaceutical value chain from production and distribution to retail delivery across the African continent.
Commenting further, the company noted the role Goodlife will play under the new structure.
“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,” Leccia further stated.
Goodlife Pharmacy operates nearly 150 pharmacy outlets across Kenya and Uganda and serves over 2 million patients each year. Its operations include pharmacy services, diagnostics, telemedicine, e-commerce, and home delivery.
LeapFrog Investments, which began supporting Goodlife in 2017, has now exited the business entirely following this transaction.
Dr Biju Mohandas, Partner and Head of Global Healthcare Investments at LeapFrog Investments, said it was satisfied with the company’s expansion and impact during its period of involvement.
“We are incredibly proud of Goodlife’s journey and its role in expanding healthcare access across East Africa,” Mohandas stated.
“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.”
CFAO confirmed that the transaction has received all required regulatory approvals and is now effective.
Th said the acquisition is part of its ongoing expansion of pharmaceutical distribution and retail services in Africa.
“CFAO Healthcare has spent decades building the strongest pan African pharmaceutical network across the Continent,” said 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 integration of Goodlife into CFAO’s ecosystem is expected to proceed without disruptions, with both entities pledging to uphold the standards that customers across Kenya and Uganda have come to rely on.
This acquisition not only shifts the retail pharmacy landscape in the region, but it also reflects a broader trend: the merging of distribution, technology, and frontline care into single, seamless healthcare platforms tailored for the African market.
