Douala, Cameroon – MDaaS Global, a Nigerian healthtech company, is making strides into Francophone Africa, opening its first diagnostic clinic in Douala, Cameroon. This expansion reflects the company’s strategy to diversify and mitigate exposure to the Nigerian economy’s volatility while tapping into new markets across West Africa.
MDaaS, established in 2017, currently operates 16 diagnostic centers across Nigeria, offering services such as X-rays, ultrasounds, and fully automated lab tests. Its latest move into Cameroon marks the beginning of a pan-African growth strategy, positioning MDaaS to increase revenue stability by expanding beyond Nigeria’s naira-dependent economy.
“We’re scaling rapidly in Nigeria, with over 16,000 patient visits last month, but we recognized the need to diversify given the ongoing economic shifts back home,” said Oluwasoga Oni, CEO of MDaaS Global.
The decision to start in Douala was strategic, as the city’s bilingual environment (English and French) and a robust demand for private healthcare services made it an ideal launchpad into Francophone Africa. Public healthcare resources in Douala are limited and mostly centralized, creating an opportunity for MDaaS to step in and fill the gaps with private, efficient diagnostic services.
Oni noted that the company observed significant differences in customer service delivery among Cameroon’s diagnostic providers. “Processes in other diagnostic centers tended to be slower, and patients often needed to physically return to collect results. These are areas where our Nigerian clinics have already innovated,” Oni added, highlighting the startup’s emphasis on efficiency and customer satisfaction.
In Nigeria, MDaaS operates both its own diagnostic clinics and partners with over 20 affiliate clinics, leveraging its proprietary tech platform to ensure seamless operations across 26 states. This tech platform, which has taken six years to develop, allows for automated processes that lower costs and enable patients to complete multiple tests in one visit.
Expanding During Economic Turbulence
MDaaS’s expansion follows Nigeria’s recent economic reforms, which saw a 70% naira depreciation against the dollar, prompting many Nigerian startups to seek growth opportunities abroad. With investors urging cross-border expansion, especially into the Euro-pegged economies of Francophone West Africa, MDaaS is strategically positioning itself for greater regional stability.
“This is a challenging period for venture-backed companies like ours,” said Oni. “With reduced funding opportunities, cross-border expansion offers a pathway to not only stabilize but also enhance our revenue streams. Nigeria remains our core, but we’re looking to build a broader base.”
A key part of MDaaS’s operations includes Sentinel, a B2B preventive health platform. However, the company’s primary revenue—around 65%—comes from direct-to-consumer services, with the remaining 35% from B2B engagements. As MDaaS continues to expand, it hopes to boost both sides of its business by adapting its model to meet new regional demands.
A Growing Pan-African Vision
The expansion into Cameroon aligns with MDaaS’s mission to “build healthcare for Africa’s next billion,” a motto driving its long-term vision. With over 360,000 patients diagnosed so far, MDaaS has had a standout year, thanks in part to increased patient volumes in Nigeria’s second-tier cities such as Ibadan, Ilorin, and Akure.
In March 2024, MDaaS secured $3 million from Nigerian investors including Aruwa Capital and Ventures Platform, funding that has helped it strengthen operations and scale into new territories. The company sees its entry into Cameroon as a critical learning phase for expanding further across West Africa.
“Douala is a foundation for our Francophone journey,” Oni explained. “We aim to build and adapt here, so we’re well-prepared for broader growth in the region.”
By expanding into Douala, MDaaS underscores its commitment to making quality healthcare accessible across Africa, while strategically positioning itself to navigate economic challenges with an eye toward sustainable growth across the continent.
