INNOVATIONS in pharmacy

Health technology in Nigeria: What are Nigerian startups working on?

Julia Oluwaseyi Tanimojo

Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos

https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9899-1997

Oladotun Erastus Okediji

Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ilorin

https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1517-0925

Aishat Adenike Adebayo

College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University

https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2595-5191

Nora Ujunwa Ugwuanyi

Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria

https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0491-239X

Samad Olatunji Garuba

Department of Surveying and Geoinformatics, University of Lagos

https://orcid.org/0009-0000-4304-6912

Sonsochukwu Godfrey Ezedigwe

University College Hospital, University of Ibadan

https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5634-9708

Vivian Oluchukwu Anakudo

Advantage Health Africa

https://orcid.org/0009-0001-8913-5918

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/iip.v16i3.5896

Keywords: business-to-consumer models, business-to-business model, business-to-government model, government-to-consumer model, health tech in Nigeria, health tech startups in Nigeria, artificial intelligence, telemedicine

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Abstract

Nigeria’s healthcare system continues to face significant challenges, including limited access to quality care, insufficient infrastructure, and underfunded institutions. In response, health technology startups have emerged as innovative players, offering scalable, sustainable, and impactful solutions to address these systemic barriers. This commentary explores the diverse operational models—Business-to-Consumer (B2C), Business-to-Business (B2B), and Business-to-Government (B2G)—adopted by Nigerian health technology qstartups and evaluates their contributions to improving healthcare access, delivery, and efficiency. Through the use of telemedicine, digital diagnostics, electronic medical records, supply chain innovations, and mobile surveillance tools, these startups are filling critical gaps in the health system. However, the sector continues to grapple with regulatory uncertainty, infrastructure deficiencies, and data privacy concerns. By analyzing case studies such as Helium Health, LifeBank, Clafiya, and Wellvis, this paper highlights the current impact and future potential of digital health solutions in Nigeria. It concludes with strategic recommendations for policy reform, infrastructure investment, and stakeholder collaboration to support the sustainable growth of health technology in the country.