South Africa - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Zoie is a digital health platform for women's and family health in Africa, offering virtual consultations, a community chat forum, resources, and a shop/pharmacy via web, app stores, and WhatsApp. EasyDoc, our new B2B WhatsApp-based servicel

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Zoie is a digital health platform dedicated to making women's and family health & wellness in Africa more convenient, affordable, and caring. We focus on family planning, fertility, and maternity care, offering virtual consultations, a community chat forum, resources, and a shop/pharmacy for health & wellness products and medication. Our platform is accessible via the web, app stores, and WhatsApp. We have recently launched EasyDoc, a B2B WhatsApp-based employee benefits product for frontline employees. Employers sponsor the subscription cost, providing quick, easy, and affordable healthcare to reduce absenteeism, increase productivity, and retain employees.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

In South Africa, Zoie Health is all about tackling the big issue of healthcare accessibility. With less than 20% of people able to afford private care and public facilities being overburdened and under-resourced, we see the urgent need for change. Our mission is to make quality healthcare accessible to everyone, offering affordable solutions for underserved communities. By leveraging technology and innovation, we're transforming healthcare delivery and empowering individuals to take charge of their health. At Zoie Health, we believe healthcare is a fundamental human right, and we're dedicated to creating a healthier, more equitable South Africa.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

Zoie Health offers several major benefits. Firstly, it provides 24/7 access to healthcare via EasyDoc, Africa's first WhatsApp-based health platform, allowing for convenient text and telephonic consultations with private doctors. Secondly, it ensures hassle-free access to medications and health products through the Zoie Shop and Pharmacy, offering online ordering and home delivery. Thirdly, Zoie Health supports comprehensive wellness with tailored supplements and contraceptive delivery services, promoting overall health and responsible family planning. Additionally, virtual consultations and supportive online communities provide expert medical advice and peer support, fostering a holistic approach to health and wellness. These services enhance accessibility, affordability, and personalization of healthcare, addressing critical gaps and supporting individuals in leading healthier, more balanced lives.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Zoie Health offers several major benefits. Firstly, it provides 24/7 access to healthcare via EasyDoc, Africa's first WhatsApp-based health platform, allowing for convenient text and telephonic consultations with private doctors. Secondly, it ensures hassle-free access to medications and health products through the Zoie Shop and Pharmacy, offering online ordering and home delivery. Thirdly, Zoie Health supports comprehensive wellness with tailored supplements and contraceptive delivery services, promoting overall health and responsible family planning. Additionally, virtual consultations and supportive online communities provide expert medical advice and peer support, fostering a holistic approach to health and wellness. These services enhance accessibility, affordability, and personalization of healthcare, addressing critical gaps and supporting individuals in leading healthier, more balanced lives.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2020-12-11

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

0

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

0

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

n/a

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

f) Healthcare (healthcare equipment and services)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Zoie Health is dedicated to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages by specifically targeting underserved communities, including frontline workers and women. These groups often face significant barriers to accessing comprehensive healthcare, which is crucial for their overall well-being. Frontline workers, who are essential to our society, frequently struggle to access timely healthcare due to their demanding schedules and high-stress environments. Zoie Health addresses this need through EasyDoc, our bespoke WhatsApp Wellness Benefit. EasyDoc allows these workers to access doctors via text and receive medication deliveries, providing convenient and continuous healthcare support without disrupting their critical roles. Women, particularly those balancing careers and family responsibilities, often encounter gaps in healthcare access. Zoie Health recognizes that women's healthcare needs extend beyond illness and vary across different life stages.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

1 - Strongly Disagree

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

6

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

5

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

5

05.08 Justification

Digital Health Platform: Our platform leverages cutting-edge technology to provide convenient and affordable healthcare services. Accessible via the web, app stores, and WhatsApp, it ensures that users can easily connect with healthcare providers anytime, anywhere. Virtual Consultations: We offer virtual consultations with healthcare professionals, making it easier for individuals to receive medical advice and support without the need for physical visits. Holistic Approach: Our services cover a wide range of health needs, from family planning and fertility to maternity care and general wellness. This holistic approach ensures that we address all aspects of women's and family health. EasyDoc: Our B2B WhatsApp-based employee benefits product provides frontline employees with quick and affordable healthcare access, reducing absenteeism and increasing productivity.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

Kena Health,Maven and Kaelo Health Affordable and Accessible Healthcare: Zoie Health's EasyDoc, a WhatsApp-based employer benefit, serves an underserved market with the highest percentage of employed South Africans. Community Focus: Zoie Health fosters supportive online communities and partners with numerous healthcare practitioners. Comprehensive Ecosystem: Zoie Health offers a range of end-to-end healthcare services

10.06 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Yes, my management team is 100% female and I invest in development courses on platforms such as Udemy for their own professional development and personal development.