CFAO Healthcare, a leading pharmaceutical distributor in Africa and subsidiary of Toyota Tsusho, has acquired 100% of Goodlife Pharmacy, Kenya’s largest private retail pharmacy chain.
This strategic move signals CFAO’s deepening expansion into East Africa’s retail healthcare market and reinforces its commitment to improving access to affordable, high-quality medicines across the continent.
“By acquiring 100% of Goodlife Pharmacy, we are accelerating our transformation into a global healthcare player. Together, we will enhance accessibility, service quality, and innovation in the pharmaceutical sector,” said Jean-Marc Leccia, CEO of CFAO Healthcare.
Expanding Access Across the Region
Goodlife operates nearly 150 branches across Kenya and Uganda, serving over 2 million customers annually through retail services, diagnostics, telemedicine, e-commerce, and home delivery. CFAO initially acquired a 30% minority stake in 2022.
This full acquisition now positions the company to integrate retail operations within its broader pharmaceutical value chain—from manufacturing and distribution to last-mile patient engagement.
“Goodlife Pharmacy has always been committed to promoting health and well-being,” said Justin Melvin, CEO of Goodlife Kenya.
“With the support of LeapFrog Investments, we’ve made remarkable progress in fulfilling our mission. This partnership with CFAO Healthcare allows us to scale our impact and bring even greater value to our customers and communities.”
![[L-R] LeapFrog Investments’ Biju Mohandas and CFAO Healthcare CEO Jean-Marc Leccia formalize a milestone moment in Nairobi. CFAO’s 100% acquisition of Goodlife Pharmacy positions the company at the forefront of East Africa’s health retail revolution, reaching over 2 million patients annually.](http://khusoko.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Goodlife_Pharmacy_CFAO.jpg)
A Timely Shift Toward Decentralised Care
The acquisition comes amid rising demand in Kenya for decentralised healthcare delivery, fueled by a growing middle class, tech-enabled care models, and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) ambitions.
The deal underscores a broader trend toward regional integration of pharmaceutical and retail healthcare services.
“We are incredibly proud of Goodlife’s journey and its role in expanding healthcare access across East Africa,” said Dr. Biju Mohandas, Partner and Head of Global Healthcare Investments at LeapFrog Investments.
“This transaction marks LeapFrog’s full exit from Goodlife. CFAO Healthcare is the right long-term partner to amplify Goodlife’s impact and drive its next phase of growth.”
Regulatory Clearance & Business Continuity
The transaction has received all necessary approvals from the COMESA Competition Commission, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity for patients, partners, and suppliers across the region.
