Judy Mugoya, Smart Applications International (Uganda) Country Manager (left), Harrison Muiru , Group Managing Director (2nd left) and other officials on the sidelines of the Summit on Thursday at Serena Hotel in Kampala.
The government has pledged support to Smart Applications International, Africa’s leader in healthcare digital transformation.
Smart Applications International operates in 12 African countries with a network of over 8,000 healthcare providers with a commitment to reshaping the future of healthcare by delivering seamless, secure, and scalable solutions.
On Thursday, Smart Applications International concluded its 4th Annual Smart Summit at the Serena Hotel in Kampala, Uganda. The event brought together over 500 industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators from across the region, focusing on transforming healthcare accessibility through automation and artificial intelligence (AI).
This year’s theme, “Advancing Healthcare Accessibility Through Digital Automation and AI,” ignited discussions on addressing Africa’s most pressing healthcare challenges, including the need for improved data systems, patient care optimization, and enhanced operational efficiency. The summit featured live demonstrations and interactive sessions, showcasing the latest technologies revolutionizing healthcare in Africa.
Michael Ocero, the Commissioner of e-Services in the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, represented his Minister, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi.
In speech read verbatim, Dr. Baryomunsi described Smart Applications interventions as timely and that they align with the government’s 5-year digital transformation roadmap. He pledged support to Smart Applications as “you accelerate ICT growth in Uganda and beyond.”
During the summit, Smart Applications International unveiled key statistics and analytics that highlighted the impact of digital healthcare solutions across Eastern Africa:
Smart Applications International’s footprint in Eastern Africa continued to expand in 2024, with its transformative technology touching millions of lives. The company established itself as a critical player in digitizing healthcare systems, simplifying processes, and improving patient outcomes.
In 2024, Smart’s presence across eight countries in Eastern Africa was not only significant but also impactful. Over 5.79 million interactions with clients were facilitated, highlighting the strength of Smart’s systems and their ability to connect insurers, healthcare providers, and patients seamlessly. Through these interactions, an impressive KSh 53.7 billion moved through Smart’s platforms, showcasing the scale of operations and trust placed in their solutions.
One of the most remarkable achievements was the reach of over 1 million lives impacted in the region through a network of 6,170 healthcare facilities. These facilities registered a total of 2.27 million visits in 2024 alone, signaling an 8.51% increase in patient visits compared to the previous year. This rise could be attributed to several factors, including the expansion of available healthcare services and enhancements in insurance coverage.
Furthermore, there was a 5.17% growth in overall interactions from 2023 to 2024. This increase, largely driven by a surge in patient visits, indicated growing trust in healthcare services across these countries. Despite the rise in the number of claims during the same period, Smart achieved a 5.62% reduction in claim amounts. The strengthening of the Kenyan shilling played a key role in this reduction, ensuring cost efficiency in healthcare claims processing.
This data painted a picture of continuous growth, improved healthcare access, and Smart’s pivotal role in transforming the healthcare landscape in Eastern Africa.
Harrison Muiru, Group Managing Director (GMD), emphasized the company’s growing impact:
“At Smart, our solutions power a better healthcare experience for millions. We serve 30,000 patients daily on our platform and record an expenditure of USD 8 per second in partnership with healthcare facilities and medical insurers across 12 countries in Africa. These are not just numbers—they’re a testament to the indispensable role we play in enhancing healthcare access. As we push the boundaries of automation and AI, we are determined to improve patient outcomes and healthcare operations across the continent.”
Hosting the event in Uganda for the first time, Judy Mugoya, Smart Applications International (Uganda) Country Manager, stressed the significance of local engagement saying “We were proud to host the 4th Annual Smart Summit in Kampala, a key hub for healthcare innovation in Africa. The insights shared were instrumental in setting the stage for future advancements.”
Mugoya reiterated Smart Applications commitment “to ensuring that these innovations reach every corner of the region, driving greater accessibility to healthcare.”
Reflecting on the event, Isaiah Mosiori, Group Chief Operations Officer (GCOO), noted that “The Smart Summit was a unique convergence of minds, where the technology, healthcare, and insurance sectors came together to reimagine the future of healthcare.”
“The collaborations we witnessed underscore the potential for digital innovations to dramatically improve healthcare access for all. The discussions at this summit are shaping the healthcare landscape for years to come.”
According to Esther Kiringa, the Group Sales and Marketing Director (GSMD), “The Smart Summit was more than just a gathering—it was a catalyst for change. Through open dialogue and collaborations, we laid the groundwork for innovations that will enhance the quality of care and patient experience across Africa. We look forward to building on these conversations to create a lasting impact.”
