Mobolaji Ajayi is the founder and CEO, Purelife Pharmacy, a go-to for health needs and lifestyle pharmacy, with a growing reputation for quality patient-centred care using top-of-the-line approach.
Excitedly, she is the 2024 Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Top 10 Finalist from Nigeria, hoping to win grants to scale up her business from over 10,000 patients and partnerships to 10 more integrative health hubs across underserved regions, reaching over one million patients annually.
In this interview, Mobolaji, a youthful and ambitious entrepreneur, tells Obinna Emelike why the ABH competition matters, her outfit and its edge over others, plans for the anticipated grant, passion for quality healthcare delivery, ambitions, among others.
As Purelife Pharmacy continues to redefine health and wellness services in Nigeria, what do you think helped you to secure a spot among the 2024 Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Top 10 Finalists, out of nearly 20,000 applicants?
To be honest, making it to the Top 10 has been a profoundly humbling experience. I firmly believe that what primarily set Purelife Pharmacy apart was my willingness to be authentically vulnerable. By sharing the genuine story of why we exist, the personal resilience that has fueled our journey, and the empathy that drives our mission, I was able to connect with the judges on a deeper level. Our commitment to solving one of Africa’s most critical challenges – the lack of accessible, affordable, and quality primary healthcare – is unwavering. By humanizing the statistics and presenting a model that embodies inclusivity, we have been able to resonate with underserved communities. Purelife Pharmacy’s unique blend of cutting-edge technology and integrative care has been a key factor in our success. However, I am convinced that my authenticity and vulnerability that have been the primary catalysts for our recognition. By showing up with purpose, passion, and vulnerability, I have been able to share our story in a way that truly resonates. As I have learned, when you lead with authenticity and vulnerability, the world listens.
What edge does your business have over others that will make you emerge as the overall winner in the 6th Edition of the Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) finals this March?
(Laughs) Ah, that is a tough question! I am honored to be among such an impressive group of finalists, and I have immense respect for the other entrepreneurs who have made it this far. They are all doing incredible work, and I am humbled to be in their company. That being said, I believe Purelife Pharmacy’s unique edge lies in its heart – our people-first philosophy. We are driven by a passion to transform lives, not just serve them. The pain of families losing loved ones to preventable diseases fuels our work, and that fire drives us to deliver excellence. Our innovative approach combines technology, community, and empathy to deliver impactful healthcare solutions. With over 10,000 satisfied patients and partnerships with leading health experts, our model has proven its viability. What sets us apart is our capacity for scalability, coupled with our genuine desire to make healthcare accessible to even the most vulnerable. Ultimately, I believe that our authenticity and commitment to creating real, measurable impact will resonate with the judges. But I am not taking anything for granted – I am just proud to be part of this journey, and I am excited to see how the competition unfolds.
The 6th ABH Summit and Grand Finale scheduled for March 14-15, 2025 will bring together top entrepreneurs from across Africa. How prepared are you for the final pitching and the summit?
Preparing for this moment has been transformative, both for me personally and for Purelife Pharmacy as a whole. Public speaking has not been my strength, but this journey has forced me to step outside my comfort zone. My team and I are refining every detail of our pitch, ensuring that it not only demonstrates the success we have achieved but also evokes the urgency and humanity of the work we do. I am also delving deeply into past ABH success stories to draw inspiration while working tirelessly with mentors to sharpen our storytelling. Beyond the technicalities, my preparation is also emotional; I am showing up as a voice for the communities we serve, and that authenticity is my strongest preparation. I am ready to pour my heart into this, knowing the opportunity to represent millions of lives depends on it.
What are your chances of winning the Grand Prize considering that a Nigerian won the last edition?
The fact that a Nigerian won the last edition only motivates me further. It speaks volumes about the resourcefulness and ingenuity of Nigerian entrepreneurs. For me, the focus is not on where the winner hails from, but on the depth of our impact. Our chances are strong because the healthcare crisis we are addressing is immediate and deeply relatable. Every year, nearly millions of Nigerians die from treatable conditions like malaria and typhoid due to inadequate care systems. Purelife Pharmacy offers tangible, measurable solutions, from affordable diagnostics to medication authenticity, and this model has the potential to scale across Africa.
Ultimately, I believe that whoever emerges as the winner will be truly deserving of the honor. As finalists, we have all demonstrated exceptional dedication, resilience, and innovation. In my eyes, we are all winners, regardless of the outcome. This experience has already provided invaluable opportunities for growth, networking, and visibility. I am grateful to be part of this community, and I look forward to seeing the impact we will collectively make in Africa’s business landscape.
Should you win the grand prize, what immediate steps would you take to scale Purelife Pharmacy’s impact and address key gaps in Nigeria’s health and wellness landscape?
The grand prize would be a catalyst for Purelife’s growth. A significant portion of the funds will go toward expanding our diagnostic and telehealth services. We aim to set up 10 more integrative health hubs across underserved regions in Nigeria, reaching over 1,000,000 patients annually. Additionally, we would invest in technology upgrades to ensure a seamless patient experience. For example, our blockchain system for verifying medications will be scaled to accommodate millions of transactions, ensuring that fake drugs – which kill millions of Africans annually – become a thing of the past. This is not just about business growth; it is about creating a legacy of healthier and longer lives across Africa.
Beyond the expected prize money, how has your ABH experience shaped your vision for Purelife Pharmacy and your personal journey in advancing healthcare innovation in Africa?
Participating in ABH has opened doors I never imagined. Beyond the mentorship and exposure, it has provided me with the confidence to own my story and the vision behind Purelife. It is not easy to stand on a global stage and speak of deeply personal struggles, but ABH has taught me that vulnerability is strength. For Purelife, the network we have built through ABH has been game-changing. We have connected with thought leaders, potential partners, and investors who share our vision of equitable healthcare. Personally, it has transformed me from a quiet innovator into a voice for change, and that is a gift I will carry with me long after this competition ends.
There has been a noticeable rise in healthcare-focused entrepreneurial ventures among young Nigerians. Dr. Ikpeme Neto, CEO of Wellahealth Technologies, winner of the 2023 ABH Grand Prize, presented healthcare projects, and yours is also on healthcare. Why the attention to healthcare by young entrepreneurs in Nigeria?
I have immense respect for Dr. Neto’s groundbreaking work in healthcare, and I am honored to be mentioned alongside him. While it may seem like there is a surge of healthcare founders, the truth is that this space remains vastly underserved. Healthcare in Nigeria is personal. It is not just a sector – it is a daily battle for survival. Young entrepreneurs like Dr. Neto and I have grown up watching loved ones suffer from preventable diseases. We have seen the heartbreak of communities losing their breadwinners to conditions that should be treatable.
This is not a space for passive solutions; it requires bold and innovative thinking. Entrepreneurs like us are stepping in to bridge the gaps because we refuse to accept the status quo. Healthcare is not just a business for us; it is a fight to reclaim dignity and life for millions of Africans. That is why we need more innovative voices, more collaborative spirit, and more courageous leaders to drive meaningful change. By working together, sharing knowledge, and pushing boundaries, we can unlock transformative solutions that improve healthcare outcomes for millions of Africans.
Nigerian entrepreneurs have collectively received over $1.4 million (₦2.4 billion) in ABH grant funding – the highest amount awarded to any country in the ABH initiative in Africa. Why is it so?
Nigerian entrepreneurs embody resilience and creativity in a way that is hard to ignore. We come from a country of over 200 million people, where necessity drives innovation. Our challenges – whether in healthcare, education, or agriculture – demand solutions, and we rise to the occasion.
The ABH initiative has recognized this dynamism. Nigerian entrepreneurs not only dream big but also execute with urgency and impact. The grants awarded reflect the bold ideas and tireless work ethic that define our entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Since 2019, the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy have sponsored the ABH initiative. Do you think the objectives of sponsors are fulfilled in the past editions?
Absolutely. The ABH initiative has changed the landscape of entrepreneurship in Africa. It is not just about funding; it is about building ecosystems of impact. Entrepreneurs who have passed through ABH have gone on to transform industries, from healthcare to renewable energy.
It has created a ripple effect across Africa, empowering entrepreneurs to tackle the continent’s most pressing challenges. By investing in people with vision and grit, the sponsors have built a legacy of impact. Most of the past and present participants are a testament to the power of investing in visionaries who are committed to creating a better future. The sponsors’ objectives are not just being fulfilled – they are creating a legacy.
On a lighter note, do you think the rescheduling of the Grand Finale would impact the competition in any way?
If anything, the rescheduling has only heightened the anticipation. It has given the participants more time to refine their pitches and bring their absolute best to the stage. The delay has not dimmed the spirit of the competition – it has only made the journey more memorable. For me, it is an opportunity to reflect and prepare even more intentionally.
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