By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian
Prosper Africa’s Tech for Trade Alliance (AT4T) has announced a pilot programme in Africa aimed at improving visibility across the continent’s drug supply chains via a digital platform. This new initiative, named Pulse, was introduced at the Africa Tech Festival in Cape Town by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). Pulse aspires to create a more transparent, efficient, and secure marketplace for medications across Africa.
In partnership with Prosper Africa, USAID’s e-Trade Alliance, IBM Consulting, and NABP, Pulse will initially launch in South Africa. The platform aims to connect global pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer and Roche, with African distributors and pharmacies, bolstering supply chain security and enhancing traceability.
“Through Prosper Africa’s Tech for Trade Alliance under the Digital Trade for Africa (DTA) initiative, we support partnerships that leverage technology to develop products and services, driving both financial and social returns for Africans and Americans,” said British Robinson, Prosper Africa’s Coordinator.
The African pharmaceutical market, valued at approximately $26.85 billion in 2023, is projected to grow by 3.4% annually from 2024 to 2030, representing a major opportunity for companies. This initiative also enables pharmacies to harness AI-driven data analytics, boosting sales and operational efficiency.
By implementing Pulse, South African distributors and pharmacies stand to benefit from improved operations, reduced spoilage, and steady stock levels. Riaz Osman, Managing Partner for Southern Africa and Africa Growth Markets at IBM Consulting, highlighted the transformative potential of digital solutions in the pharmaceutical supply chain. “IBM is committed to applying our technology and consulting expertise to increase transparency and trust in critical industries like healthcare,” he stated.
With AI and data integration, Pulse seeks to foster a secure, transparent environment where pharmacies and distributors can make informed, data-backed decisions. This partnership reflects IBM’s commitment to building resilient ecosystems that support economic growth and social impact across Africa.
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