Niger Medtech Startup Bets on Local Repairs to Compete
Summary
Niger-based Likita Care makes patient-monitoring devices and provides local repair support, addressing problems hospitals face when imported equipment breaks and replacement parts are hard to find. The company’s co-founder, Mamane Kabirou Ousseini, won the 2026 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation and aims to expand into nearby markets.Key Facts
- Likita Care’s devices monitor blood oxygen, heart rate, blood pressure and temperature.
- Its software displays patient data, sends automatic alerts and uses AI to flag trends for further investigation.
- Co-founder and CEO Mamane Kabirou Ousseini identified repair and replacement-part shortages while working as a biomedical technician at Niamey General Reference Hospital.
- The company combines locally made parts with imported raw materials to manage costs and supports devices through their life cycle.
- Ousseini won the 2026 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, sponsored by the United Kingdom’s Royal Academy of Engineering; the prize includes £50,000, training and a support network.
- Likita Care began with a $35,000 investment six years ago and has deployed 70 units to customers, including two hospitals in Niamey.
- The company can produce about 150 units per month, depending on device configuration.
- Ousseini hopes to expand into adjacent markets and use regulatory alignment in West African CFA-franc countries.
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