Pan-African healthtech company mPharma has appointed Kwesi Arhin as its new CEO, effective Sept. 1, 2025. He succeeds co-founder Gregory Rockson, who will transition to Chairman of the Board.
Arhin becomes the second CEO in the company’s history and its first non-founder leader.
Why it matters
The leadership shift marks a pivotal moment for mPharma as it evolves from a founder-led startup into an institutionally governed company amid tough market conditions.
Arhin’s track record:
- Joined mPharma in 2021.
- Held senior roles including Global Head of Commercial, SVP, and COO.
- Credited with driving operational efficiency, commercial growth, and market expansion.
- Brings over a decade of experience in finance, consulting, and healthtech.
Zoom out
Since its founding in 2013, mPharma has expanded across nine African markets — Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, Gabon, and Ethiopia — through pharmacies, primary care facilities, and distribution partnerships.
Growth play:
- 2019: Acquired Haltons Pharmacy (Kenya) for $5M.
- 2021: Bought 55% of Uganda’s Vine Pharmacy.
- 2022: Took majority stake in Nigeria’s HealthPlus.
- Raised $90M+ in funding, including a $35M Series D in 2022.
The challenge
mPharma’s rapid growth has been tested by Africa’s economic headwinds. In 2023, the company laid off 150 employees, reflecting broader struggles in the healthtech sector — where startups like Nigeria’s Medsaf shuttered under financial strain.
What’s next
Arhin is expected to focus on:
- Strengthening resilience in volatile markets.
- Expanding access to affordable medicines.
- Driving sustainable growth while balancing scale with stability.
The bottom line
mPharma’s CEO transition signals both continuity and change — with Rockson providing governance stability as Chairman and Arhin steering the company into its next phase of growth.
Learn more about other African tech startups on Labari Insights, our data repository for tech in Africa: insights.techlabari.com
