AfyaLead: A Success Story of Impact and Innovation with PesaTech Accelerator

Sahara Ventures
Sahara Consult
Published in
3 min readJul 23, 2024

In the realm of fintech startups, AfyaLead stands as a beacon of transformation, fueled by strategic support from the PesaTech Accelerator, an initiative backed by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) in partnership with Sahara Ventures. This accelerator program, tailored for 12 post-MVP and post-revenue fintech enterprises, concluded its first cohort in October 2023, leaving a profound mark on AfyaLead’s journey.

AfyaLead, a participant from the program’s outset, reaped significant benefits from the comprehensive training provided. Key focus areas included fundraising strategy, cultivating strategic partnerships, navigating legal compliance, expanding market access, and fortifying operational frameworks. Alongside invaluable knowledge, AfyaLead also secured $10,000 in funding the essential resource that fueled their growth.

“For us, participating in PesaTech was a turning point in our company’s growth. The program not only facilitated necessary networking opportunities with investors but also connected us with seasoned founders, such as those from Dawa Mkononi, whose insights continue to inspire our daily pursuits,” shared Frank Mussa, co-founder of AfyaLead.

The impact of the PesaTech funding became noticeable with the launch of AfyaLead’s “Mama Salama Delivery Pack” in January 2024. This innovative product, designed to enhance maternal health outcomes, boasts an impressive success rate exceeding 84%. With over 1,000 packs distributed, AfyaLead has significantly contributed to safer deliveries across Tanzania.

“The $10,000 grant from PesaTech empowered us to initiate our third product line, the Mama Salama Delivery Pack — a milestone that would have been unattainable without this funding. Today, we are saving lives by mitigating maternal mortality. Before going through the program we had two products which are Mkanda salama and Pamoja bima” Frank added.

Beyond financial support, the PesaTech Accelerator equipped AfyaLead with essential storytelling and investor readiness skills, enabling them to articulate their mission compellingly and attract over $15,000 in impact investments from a diverse range of investors. Their recent accolade as the top winner at the Vodacom Digital Accelerator Season Three further highlights their growing influence and success.

Even as the formal program concluded, AfyaLead continues to benefit from ongoing technical support provided by Sahara Ventures and UNCDF. Recognized as a valued member of Sahara Ventures’ portfolio, AfyaLead exemplifies the profound impact achievable through strategic support and well-designed accelerator initiatives.

The journey of AfyaLead serves as a demonstration to the transformative power of technology and innovation in driving positive change within communities. As they continue to innovate and expand their impact, AfyaLead remains an example of what can be achieved through dedication, partnership, and visionary leadership.

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Sahara Ventures
Sahara Consult

Our mission is to build a stable innovation, technology and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Africa through consultancy and investment.