Nigerian Healthtech Giant MDaaS Expands to Francophone Africa with First Clinic in Cameroon

Nigerian healthtech startup MDaaS is making its mark in Francophone Africa, opening its inaugural clinic in Douala, Cameroon. This strategic move aims to expand MDaaS’s services beyond Nigeria while safeguarding revenue from Naira volatility, as noted by CEO Oluwasoga Oni. “We’ve grown rapidly in Nigeria, with over 16,000 patients last month alone, but expanding geographically became essential for us,” Oni stated.

Established in 2017, MDaaS has become a prominent healthcare provider, operating 16 diagnostic clinics across Nigeria that offer X-rays, ultrasounds, and lab tests. Its proprietary technology has enabled partnerships with 20 affiliate clinics, broadening its presence to 26 states. The company is profitable in Nigeria, where it follows a pay-at-service model. “We provide comprehensive services, from tech installation to diagnostics, allowing us to scale effectively,” Oni explained.

Cameroon’s economic hub, Douala, was chosen as the entry point for MDaaS’s Pan-African expansion, particularly due to its bilingual setting and the high demand for accessible healthcare. In Douala, public healthcare services are limited and largely centralised in private facilities, as reported by the World Health Organisation. MDaaS intends to bring its efficient tech solutions to improve customer experience, an area Oni found lacking during visits to local clinics. “In Cameroon, we noticed a slower pace in diagnostic processes. Patients had to return in person to collect results, an issue we’ve already streamlined in Nigeria,” he added.

MDaaS’s expansion comes in the wake of a 70% Naira depreciation, which has prompted many Nigerian startups to explore cross-border opportunities, especially within Francophone West Africa where currencies are pegged to the Euro, offering more stability. “This year’s tough funding climate accelerated our expansion plans. We’re leading in Nigeria, but Francophone Africa is our next frontier,” Oni remarked.

With 65% of its revenue stemming from consumer-facing services, MDaaS has built a robust network that has delivered over 360,000 diagnoses—more than a third occurring this year alone. Oni attributes this growth to second-tier Nigerian cities such as Ibadan, Ilorin, and Akure. The startup raised $3 million in early 2024, a move that enabled it to pursue international growth despite the capital-heavy demands of running diagnostic centres.

Douala’s debut clinic will serve as a learning ground for MDaaS as it solidifies its West African presence. “Our mission is to build healthcare for Africa’s next billion, and this expansion is a step toward fulfilling that vision,” Oni affirmed.