SDG Impact Finance Initiative with the support of Convergence awarded an expansion grant to Access Afya under its Innovation Window to support the scaling of its Curafa healthcare franchise network. This funding will enable Access Afya to scale up its systems as it accelerates the expansion of its clinic network, expanding access to affordable, high-quality healthcare for underserved communities in Kenya. The grant will help refine Access Afya’s franchise model, strengthen operational efficiencies, and prepare the organization for a Series A fundraising round aimed at regional expansion across East Africa.
Access Afya’s innovative approach addresses the systemic healthcare challenges faced by low-income regions, where access to quality care is hindered by infrastructure gaps, insufficient capital, and fragmented delivery models. Leveraging a franchise system, Access Afya equips local entrepreneurs with the tools, training, and funding solutions needed to establish and operate clinics that provide essential healthcare services. The model integrates asset-backed loans, revenue-sharing agreements, and concessional capital to de-risk investments, catalyzing private sector participation while ensuring financial sustainability for both the franchisees and the organization.
All stakeholders have emphasized the transformative potential of Access Afya’s model. Its existing investors, including Grand Challenges Canada, Philips Foundation, and others highlighted Access Afya’s decade-long journey of delivering affordable healthcare, underscoring the critical milestones achieved through strategic funding and support. With a solid foundation in place, Access Afya is now positioned to scale to 100 clinics over the next two to four years, with plans to reach financial breakeven within the next 2–3 years.
Design Question: How can blended finance address systemic healthcare challenges in low-income regions by bridging gaps in infrastructure and access?
Access Afya’s model demonstrates how blended finance can be a catalyst for transforming healthcare delivery in underserved areas. By integrating concessional capital into its financing structure, Access Afya mitigates risks and attracts private sector investment, creating a sustainable pathway for scaling healthcare solutions. The organization’s franchise model combines infrastructure financing, operational training, and real-time monitoring systems, ensuring standardization and quality across clinics. This holistic approach addresses critical barriers to healthcare access, such as the lack of affordable financing (particularly as solutions are scaled up), the need for localized service delivery, and the challenge of maintaining high standards of care.
The use of blended finance within this model allowed Access Afya to continue improving its business model while ensuring financial viability and impact outcomes of each clinic. It also provides a replicable blueprint for other low-income regions within East Africa and beyond. By scaling its Curafa network, Access Afya will improve healthcare outcomes for millions of people, aligning with the global agenda to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3. The grant positions Access Afya to pioneer an inclusive and scalable solution for global healthcare challenges, transforming lives through affordable, accessible, and high-quality care.
