NAIROBI — CFAO Healthcare has acquired Goodlife Pharmacy, in a formal acquisition taking over one of Kenya’s largest private pharmacy chains in a move set to expand its footprint across East Africa’s growing healthcare market. The France-based company confirmed on Monday that it now holds 100% ownership of Goodlife, following its initial 30% stake acquired in 2022. The buyout, which includes operations in both Kenya and Uganda, has received all regulatory clearances and takes effect immediately.
The deal comes as the country witnesses a growing demand for accessible, tech-driven healthcare options, fueled by an expanding middle class and shifting consumer behavior toward pharmacy-based health services.
CFAO Healthcare plans to integrate Goodlife’s network of more than 100 pharmacy outlets into its broader pharmaceutical ecosystem, which spans manufacturing, distribution, and direct-to-patient care. The company stated that the transition would be seamless to ensure no interruption in services.
“This acquisition is a major step in our commitment to provide quality, affordable healthcare products and services to the East African region,” CFAO Healthcare said in a statement.
Goodlife’s existing leadership and staff are expected to be retained during the transition, with day-to-day operations continuing under the same branding for now.
The deal also signals the exit of private equity firm LeapFrog Investments, which had held shares in Goodlife Pharmacy before the acquisition.
Industry analysts view the move as a strategic consolidation, allowing CFAO to strengthen its supply chain control and retail reach in a market where pharmacies are becoming vital first points of care.
Kenya’s pharmaceutical market has seen rapid growth in recent years, driven by urbanization, lifestyle-related health needs, and government efforts to enhance universal health coverage. With CFAO’s full acquisition, Goodlife is poised to expand service offerings and product availability while benefiting from CFAO’s global procurement and manufacturing capabilities.
This acquisition reflects broader trends in Africa’s healthcare landscape, where international firms are investing in infrastructure to meet rising health demands and bridge access gaps, particularly in underserved areas.
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