African Pharmaceutical Network

Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford

Industry: Life Science

MBA Founding Student Name(s): Dr. David Odhiambo

Brief Description of Solution: The African Pharmaceutical Network is a market catalyst and enabler for the life science in industry in Africa. Structured as a platform convening life science industry players to harness the collective knowledge of the commons, we deliver strategic solutions in the life science industry including – capacity building, business ecosystem support services and policy advocacy.

Funding Dollars: N/A

What led you to launch this venture? Growing up in Kenya, I experienced firsthand the challenges families went through to access healthcare services including medicines. Out-of-stock situations were the norm. Having worked for 6 years in the pharmaceutical industry across clinical practice, trade associations, and with pharmaceutical companies, I noted that there were systemic challenges that needed an ecosystem approach to unlock value for the players to guarantee reliable access to safe, effective and quality healthcare products in the markets. Our mission is to be the key enabler in this ecosystem, powering growth of the industry and promoting health in the continent.

What has been your biggest accomplishment so far with venture? We have proven the concept of our venture with a sustainable business model without raising external capital. Another key win for us was conducting research and developing a go-to-market strategy for a biotech company that is setting up a $5million manufacturing facility in Rwanda.

What has been the most significant challenge you’ve faced in creating your company and how did you solve it? The greatest challenge was juggling my MBA studies while running the business remotely during the foundational phase. There were days I contemplated pulling the plug – I’m glad I stayed on.

How has your MBA program helped you further this startup venture? The MBA experience gave me a chance to gain a 360^o view of the business which is valuable as I structure African Pharmaceutical Network into the next phase. When I started the business, my focus was on technical work with the hope that the business would take care of itself. Following my MBA, I have a better understanding of the different levers which I’m deploying to help the business grow. I also made great friends with whom we bounce off ideas and share experiences on this journey.

Which MBA class has been most valuable in building your startup and what was the biggest lesson you gained from it? Business Finance was a very valuable class for me. Coming from pharmacy, I only knew basic accounting with little understanding of corporate investment decisions.

What professor made a significant contribution to your plans and why? Prof. Alastair Nicholson. We had an opportunity to discuss my plans after the MBA where we discussed options on the journey ahead. We have stayed in touch and continue to engage as I move forward in building the venture.

How has your local startup ecosystem contributed to your venture’s development and success? The local ecosystem has been complementary and supportive, especially as the work we lead is synergistic with their operations. From regulatory agencies to trade associations and industry groups, I’ve had allies rooting for us to succeed.

What is your long-term goal with your startup? I want to establish a center of excellence in life sciences in Africa leading academic research, education & training and business ecosystem support services.

Looking back, what is the biggest lesson you wished you’d known before launching and scaling your venture? The hustle of business development. It’s been the toughest and the most exciting part of the venture development.

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