African Mothers Selected for METI’s Global South Subsidy Program for "Mobile Maternal and Child Health Record App Feasibility Study"

To assess the market potential of a mobile maternal and child health app in Côte d'Ivoire and pursue business expansion

The “Mobile Maternal and Child Health Record App Feasibility Study in Côte d'Ivoire,” planned by African Mothers Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Yasuo Kawabata), a wholly owned subsidiary of Castalia Co., Ltd., has been selected as a grant recipient under the Fiscal Year 2023 Supplementary Budget “Global South Future-Oriented Co-Creation Subsidy Program” by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).



■ Background and Objectives of the Project

Côte d'Ivoire is one of the key economic centers in West Africa. In recent years, the penetration rate of smartphones has been increasing, particularly in urban areas, along with the development of digital infrastructure. On the other hand, maternal mortality remains high, and according to the World Health Organization (WHO), improving maternal and child health is an urgent priority. Additionally, with limited progress in the digitization of public health records, there is growing need and potential for mobile health services in the region.

African Mothers has been developing and deploying the mobile maternal and child health record app "Taarifa za Mama" in the United Republic of Tanzania. When midwives input examination data into the dedicated provider app, the information is synchronized to the expectant mothers’ app, enabling them to track their prenatal checkups and postnatal care history. In 2022, the project achieved registrations of over 1,000 expectant mothers through collaborations with the Embassy of Japan in Tanzania and local healthcare institutions, contributing to reduced maternal mortality and improved maternal health awareness.
In 2023, African Mothers also launched the “Mother to Mother Shionogi Project” in partnership with Shionogi & Co., Ltd. The initiative focuses on improving access to healthcare, enhancing sanitation, and preventing childhood diarrheal diseases, all with the aim of advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Africa. These efforts have gained international attention through presentations at global maternal and child health conferences.

Taarifa za Mama

The current market research project marks a pivotal step toward expanding these achievements into the West African region. The study will evaluate the compatibility of the app with Côte d'Ivoire’s healthcare system, cultural context, and institutional environment. Based on the findings, African Mothers will design localized services tailored to local health policies and user needs, with the long-term goal of building a sustainable business model and horizontally expanding into other Francophone West African countries.

1: Universal Health Coverage (UHC) refers to a system in which all individuals receive necessary health services without suffering financial hardship. It is a key target of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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■ About the Global South Future-Oriented Co-Creation Subsidy Program

This subsidy program aims to support the development of sustainable, socially impactful overseas business through co-creation between Japanese companies and Global South countries (*2). Targeted areas include infrastructure and digital technology-based solutions that contribute to solving social issues.

2: "Global South" refers to emerging and developing nations, particularly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.


■ About African Mothers Inc.

African Mothers Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Castalia Co., Ltd., specializing in digital maternal and child health services in Africa. With Yoko Shinpuku, Professor at Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, serving as external director, the company leads the development and deployment of the mobile app “Taarifa za Mama” (Swahili for “Mother’s Record”) in the United Republic of Tanzania.
URL: https://en.castalia.co.jp/service/AfricanMothers

■ About Castalia Co., Ltd.

Castalia Co., Ltd. operates with the mission of “solving social issues through education and IT.” It develops and provides the mobile learning platform “Goocus,” together with its original programming education materials. Its operations span beyond Japan to the Middle East and Africa, contributing to sustainable development through expanded educational opportunities and ICT human resource development.
URL: https://en.castalia.co.jp/