CFAO Healthcare Acquires Full Ownership of Goodlife Pharmacy in East Africa

In a bold move that signals rising consolidation in Africa’s pharmaceutical sector, CFAO Healthcare has announced the acquisition of 100% of Goodlife Pharmacy, the region’s largest private retail pharmacy chain, cementing its place as a dominant force in East Africa’s healthcare ecosystem.

This acquisition comes three years after CFAO Healthcare, a pan-African pharmaceutical distributor, initially bought a 30% minority stake in Goodlife. Impressed by the chain’s strong performance, rapid expansion, and growing patient trust, CFAO decided to go all in — marking a significant strategic shift from wholesale distribution to integrated retail healthcare services.

“By acquiring 100% 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, CEO of CFAO Healthcare.

A Strategic Leap to the Last Mile

The deal aligns with CFAO Healthcare’s broader ambition: to integrate the entire pharmaceutical value chain — from licensed manufacturing in Morocco and Algeria, to continental distribution, and now, direct patient service through retail.

Goodlife Pharmacy, which currently boasts nearly 150 outlets across Kenya and Uganda and serves more than 2 million patients annually, has emerged as a pioneering health hub. With its omnichannel approach, the company offers not just pharmacy services, but also diagnostics, telemedicine, e-commerce, and home delivery — a rarity in African retail healthcare.

“Goodlife has built a highly recognized brand and an extensive network of pharmacies that serve as genuine wellness hubs,” Leccia added. “Together, we will enhance accessibility, service quality, and innovation within the pharmaceutical sector.”

The acquisition, which has received full regulatory approval, is effective immediately. The two companies are working to ensure a smooth integration process that retains customer trust and service quality.

From Local Startup to Regional Leader

Goodlife’s evolution is a textbook case of impact-driven growth. Founded in 2014, the company found a transformative partner in 2017 when LeapFrog Investments, a leading impact investment firm, came on board. Under LeapFrog’s stewardship, Goodlife evolved from a conventional brick-and-mortar setup into a digitally enabled, integrated pharmacy chain that now employs over 500 professionals.

“We are incredibly proud of Goodlife’s journey and its role in expanding healthcare access across East Africa,” said Dr. Biju Mohandas, Partner and Head of Global Healthcare Investments at LeapFrog. “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.”

LeapFrog’s exit signals a successful impact investment lifecycle — delivering not only returns but also healthcare access to underserved populations.

Integration and Expansion Strategy

With this deal, CFAO Healthcare deepens its presence in Anglophone Africa while reinforcing its long-standing strength in Francophone markets through its Laborex distribution network, which services over 11,000 pharmacies daily. In doing so, the company positions itself not just as a supplier, but a healthcare enabler — linking pharmaceutical production with patient-centric delivery.

“CFAO Healthcare has spent decades building the strongest pan-African pharmaceutical network,” noted 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 move also mirrors CFAO’s ethos of “With Africa, For Africa” — emphasizing its long-term commitment to sustainable, locally relevant healthcare models.

A Boon for Patients and Policy

The impact on the East African healthcare landscape could be profound. By combining Goodlife’s expansive retail footprint with CFAO’s back-end distribution and manufacturing muscle, patients are likely to benefit from improved access to essential medicines, lower prices, and better customer experience.

The acquisition also aligns with national health goals in both Kenya and Uganda, where expanding access to affordable, quality healthcare remains a top priority. As urban populations swell and demand for modern health solutions grows, public-private models like Goodlife’s may offer a scalable solution.

The Road Ahead: Retail + Tech + Supply Chain

CFAO’s expansion into retail underscores a key trend in Africa’s health sector — the blending of tech-driven convenience with reliable pharmaceutical supply. Goodlife’s ability to offer e-commerce, diagnostics, and telemedicine from the same branded outlet positions it well for a future where physical and digital care converge.

And with the backing of CFAO Healthcare — part of the global Toyota Tsusho Corporation — Goodlife now gains the resources and systems to scale even further, potentially entering new markets or deepening services in existing ones.