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In much of Africa, healthcare remains fragmented, inefficient, and largely paper-based. Medical records, if they exist at all, are often scattered across health centers, making the continuity of care difficult. Africa Smart Health, a Morocco-based startup, is trying to solve this problem for managing personal medical data.
Africa Smart Health is among the many Moroccan startups present at GITEX AFRICA 2025 – the continent’s biggest tech fest which returns to Marrakech from April 14 to 16.
In an exclusive interview with Morocco World News (MWN), Hassane Tazi, CEO of Africa Smart Health, says that this technology speeds up medical processes. “Everything is online, designed to save doctors time and give them instant access to patient files—whether they’re in their office, at a clinic, at a patient’s home, or even on vacation”.
The company allows users to store, organize, and share their medical records digitally. Patients can register their documents online – including test results, prescriptions, and medical histories – in a structured digital file which enables quick access when needed. Crucially, users have full control over their data and can even decide which healthcare professional can check their medical records.
Data security is a key concern. Tazi says that the platform is accredited by the National Commission for the Control of Personal Data Protection (CNDP). This means the company encrypts and hosts its data on servers maintained by a major international provider with stringent cybersecurity measures. Such precautions are vital in a world where digital health data is an increasingly valuable target for cybercriminals. “Only patients and their doctors can access sensitive information using secure credentials,” he added.
Personal electronic health records (PEHRs) have been widely adopted in developed markets, but the uptake in Africa has been slow. Many patients are unfamiliar with digital health management, and also sceptical over data privacy.
Still, the potential benefits are quite considerable. A study published in the National Library of Medicine indicates that managed health records improve treatment, ease communication between doctors and patients, and improve clinical outcomes – particularly for chronic conditions. By digitizing medical records, Africa Smart Health could help streamline Morocco’s healthcare system, and empower patients to take greater control over their well-being.
Despite this progress, opportunities for growth are immense. For digital health to reach its full potential in Africa, platforms like Africa Smart Health need support from patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers alike. The shift to digital is not just a convenience – it is a necessity. The question is no longer whether healthcare should be digitized, but how quickly it can happen.
More people, bigger cities, and a rising middle class mean demand for good healthcare is soaring. But there’s a problem—too few hospitals, not enough doctors, and a serious lack of funds. Right now, Africa spends just 6.1% of its GDP on healthcare, far below the global 9.9% average. That’s a $4.4 billion gap, and rural areas suffer the most.
But here’s the good news: investors are paying attention. More and more people see Africa as a huge chance to grow and improve healthcare using digital tools. That’s why the Healthcare Investment Forum is key during the GITEX tech fair. It’s a place where thinkers, investors, and leaders come together to spark ideas, make deals, and turn plans into real change.
During GITEX Africa 2025, visitors will also have a chance to meet business insiders, tech tycoons, and attend talks on how technology can save lives, alleviate grievances, and improve access to healthcare. “For me, GITEX is an opportunity to connect with potential clients and partners who can help us take our solutions even further,” Tazi concluded.
