A thyroid cancer diagnosis spawns the emergence of Egypt's foremost electronic pharmacy platform.
In the heart of Egypt, a groundbreaking e-pharmacy platform, Chefaa, has been making waves, significantly transforming how patients—especially those with chronic illnesses—access medications. Founded in 2018 by Dalia Aref and Dr. Rasha Rady, Chefaa has grown to serve over 4.5 million monthly users, connect to more than 1,600 pharmacies, and support 229 registered brands[1].
At the forefront of Chefaa's mission is the ease of access to vital medicines. The platform allows users to upload prescriptions or search for specific medications, then efficiently connects them to nearby pharmacies with the required drugs in stock. Deliveries are dispatched based on the patient’s location, streamlining access to essential medicines[1][3].
For patients with chronic conditions, the platform's ability to schedule recurring medication deliveries is a game-changer. This feature ensures timely doses without repeated manual intervention[1][2], a critical aspect in a country where medication availability and distribution remain inconsistent across regions[1]. Chefaa addresses this disparity by aggregating supply from thousands of pharmacies, making it easier for patients to obtain necessary medications quickly and reliably[1].
The convenience and reliability offered by Chefaa have made it popular among patients who depend on regular access to medication. The platform charges a commission starting at 5% per transaction, a fee that users seem willing to pay for the added peace of mind[1]. Chefaa’s growth and innovative model have also been recognised by the industry, as evidenced by its inclusion in prominent startup cohorts focused on pharmacy and healthcare innovation[5].
Chefaa's impact extends beyond Egypt, with operations now in Saudi Arabia, covering eight cities[4]. The platform's unique proposition lies in addressing the inconsistency in medication distribution and local supply in specific areas[6]. In recognition of its innovative approach, Chefaa was one of seven African startups selected for the Innovate and Invest program in 2025, backed by the Global Fund and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation[7].
Chefaa's expansion team now consists of over 140 employees, a testament to its growth. The company's future expansion will prioritize areas of greatest need, rather than largest population size[8]. Pharmacies also benefit from Chefaa as it helps address market inefficiencies and provides an additional sales channel[9]. However, regulatory compliance and risk mitigation remain challenges for Chefaa[9].
The story of Chefaa began when Doaa Aref, a 38-year-old woman, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2017 and found it difficult to access necessary medication in Egypt[10]. This personal experience fueled her determination to make a difference, leading to the creation of Chefaa. Today, the platform stands as a beacon of hope for millions of patients in Egypt, ensuring they never have to worry about accessing their essential medications.
As of 2021, about 500 types of medicines are still in short supply in Egypt, with supply problems persisting, especially for imported medicines and specialized drugs[11]. In response, Chefaa launched a supply arm called Chefaa Supply, providing short-stocked items to partner pharmacies[12]. The platform's commitment to addressing medication shortages is evident in its ongoing efforts to improve access to essential medicines for all.
Chefaa also offers additional features to enhance patient care. Its app includes medication reminders, a 24/7 in-app chat with certified pharmacists, and a health blog with guidance on drug usage, side-effects, and the use of cosmetic products[2]. Chefaa Bi HUB, a subscription-based analytics tool, provides insights into consumption patterns for pharmacies and manufacturers[7].
In 2023, Chefaa raised $5.25 million in a funding round backed by global investors[3]. The platform's significant growth of 300% during the COVID-19 pandemic, due to increased demand for digital health solutions[3], has further solidified its position as a leading e-pharmacy platform in Egypt. With its innovative approach and commitment to improving medication access and adherence for patients with chronic diseases, Chefaa is undeniably playing a pivotal role in transforming healthcare in Egypt and beyond.
[1] https://www.businessinsider.com/chefaa-egypt-digital-pharmacy-startup-raising-funding-2021-12 [2] https://www.chefaa.com/ [3] https://www.albawaba.com/business/chefaa-raises-5-25-million-funding-round-2572816 [4] https://www.arabianbusiness.com/companies/chefaa-expands-operations-saudi-arabia-8-cities-541101 [5] https://www.arabianbusiness.com/companies/chefaa-joins-google-s-regional-accelerator-program-for-startups-526356 [6] https://www.chefaa.com/ [7] https://www.globalfund.org/en/news/2025-02-03-seven-african-startups-selected-for-innovate-and-invest-program/ [8] https://www.chefaa.com/ [9] https://www.arabianbusiness.com/companies/chefaa-raises-5-25-million-funding-round-2572816 [10] https://www.businessinsider.com/chefaa-egypt-digital-pharmacy-startup-raising-funding-2021-12 [11] https://www.albawaba.com/business/egypt-faces-medicine-shortages-thousands-patients-left-untreated-2423476 [12] https://www.arabianbusiness.com/companies/chefaa-launches-supply-arm-address-medicine-shortages-533989
- The healthtech startup, Chefaa, has attracted funding, demonstrating industry recognition for its innovative model in addressing medication accessibility issues, particularly in Egypt.
- With its focus on connecting users to necessary medications and streamlining logistics, Chefaa is making an impact in the finance sector, as it has grown to serve over 4.5 million monthly users.
- Chefaa's expansion into areas of greatest need, rather than largest populations, and its commitment to addressing medication shortages make it a significant player in health-and-wellness and entrepreneurship, going beyond just Egypt.
- By offering features such as medication reminders, in-app chat with certified pharmacists, and a health blog, Chefaa is both a business and a science-driven solution, contributing to the medical-conditions landscape.
- Technology plays a crucial role in Chefaa's operations, from its platform to its analytics tool, Chefaa Bi HUB, showcasing the integration of technology in modern healthcare and startups, especially those in logistics, pharmacy, and healthcare innovation.
