In a significant move toward transforming healthcare accessibility in Southern Africa, Welo Health has officially expanded its operations to Botswana. Supported by a strategic investment from Aions Creative Technology, this milestone marks the beginning of an ambitious journey to create a sustainable, hybrid healthcare ecosystem in Botswana, with long-term aspirations to serve neighbouring countries.
Welo Health, founded in South Africa in 2020, has been intentional about its growth strategy, emphasising the importance of understanding local market nuances.
“When expanding into a new market, especially as a South African company entering another African country, it is crucial to acknowledge and address the unique cultural and economic dynamics,” says Zanele Matome, CEO of Welo Health.
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To this end, the company has partnered with local entrepreneurs in Botswana, creating Welo Health Botswana, which blends its innovative health solutions with a localised touch. Welo Health’s services in Botswana focus on making healthcare accessible, particularly for underserved populations. One notable initiative is its commitment to providing free weekly check-ups for residents of old-age homes. These visits include primary healthcare services such as wound care and general health assessments, demonstrating Welo Health’s dedication to social responsibility.
Despite Botswana’s strong healthcare infrastructure—where 95% of the population lives within eight kilometres of a healthcare facility—many clinics and hospitals struggle with staffing shortages and resource constraints. Given this strain on the country’s healthcare system, corporate and community-driven healthcare solutions have become increasingly vital. Welo Health’s hybrid model seeks to bridge this gap by providing much-needed access to quality healthcare beyond the limitations of overburdened facilities.
The first step of this expansion involved a paid pilot project with a 3,000-employee German-owned manufacturing facility in Botswana, which produces components for global automotive giants like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and VW. The success of this project highlighted the demand for Welo Health’s hybrid model, which combines digital and in-person healthcare solutions tailored for employees and employers.
“We cannot do this alone. Our mission is to build a lasting healthcare infrastructure by collaborating with stakeholders who share our vision for a healthier and more equitable Botswana. By doing so, we are also creating a springboard for expansion into neighbouring countries.”
Public hospitals account for over 60% of hospital beds and national health sector expenditure, yet challenges persist, particularly in managing chronic diseases such as HIV, which affects 23.4% of adults aged 15–49. These realities highlight the pressing need for innovative healthcare solutions like those offered by Welo Health, which can help ease the burden on overburdened facilities through hybrid digital and in-person care. Its hybrid model offers promising solutions, such as enabling home-based care for immobile patients and leveraging real-time data to enhance healthcare delivery.
The investment from Aions has played a critical role in enabling Welo Health’s expansion into Botswana. The investment provided the resources needed to accelerate the pilot phase and establish a foothold in the new market.
With the support of Aions and a clear vision for the future, Welo Health is poised to revolutionize healthcare delivery in Botswana and beyond. The company’s innovative model, combined with its commitment to collaboration and community impact, sets a compelling example of how strategic investments can drive meaningful change.
“A re direng mmogo, Sechaba sa Batswana. Rea leboga” concludes Matome.
