Founders: Ayanniyi Mubarak and Mathew Okwoli
The Africa Health Collaborative, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, will be welcoming the Health Entrepreneurship (HENT) African Impact Challenge’s second cohort for their upcoming visit to Toronto, where they will continue their implementation phase through activities targeting business development, expanding entrepreneurial networks, and facilitating exposure to potential investors.
The University of Toronto’s Health Collaborative Internal Communications Working Group caught up with the ventures to learn more about the origins of their companies, what they’ve learned to date, and what is coming up next…
BetaLife Health
In 2022, Mubarak Ayanniyi found himself grieving the loss of a friend’s mother. She had tragically passed away as a result of a post-partum haemorrhage. He recognized that this death, like many across Africa, could be prevented by creating a long-lasting solution to the blood donation shortages found across the continent. Ayanniyi knew that for many, a timely blood transfusion is the difference between survival and death, and that availability of donated blood is the missing piece in so many preventable tragedies. Solving this issue is especially vital for those in rural settings, whose local clinics may lack donations of their blood type and for whom hospitals are many hours away.
Ayanniyi joined co-founder Okwoli Mathew to create BetaLife Health, an innovative software solution aimed at tackling this healthcare crisis. Their solution is using artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize blood supply management across Africa. Their platform uses predictive analytics to optimize blood inventory levels, distribution logistics and donor engagement, thereby improving the timeliness and availability of blood for transfusions. To bring their platform to the healthcare field and maximize impact, BetaLife Health is forming strategic partnerships with healthcare facilities and blood banks to streamline operations, reduce waste, and save lives.
What is the accomplishment to date that your team is most proud of?
” We are proud to be the change-makers driving blood supply in Africa, our innovation has benefitted thousands of ill people, mothers experiencing labor complications, fathers undergoing heart surgery, children undergoing chemotherapy treatments, premature babies and accident victims. Money can’t buy life, but we have been able to give these patients an extra life on earth with our innovation.”
If you could give advice to another founder getting started, what would that be?
““Focus on solving a specific, pressing problem that has a significant impact on your target market, and be relentless in your pursuit of innovation and excellence in addressing that problem.”
Having launched their MVP, the BetaLife Health team is now focused on fundraising with a goal to strengthen their digital supply network, and onboard more healthcare facilities and blood banks onto their platform. By employing subscription plans and connection fees, cultivating strategic partnerships and executing expansion initiatives, the team looks forward to continuing to improve healthcare outcomes across the continent.
You can learn more about BetaLife Health
More News & Events
Skip scroller content
Prof. Angela Owusu-Ansah’s Call to Uncover Africa’s Health Successes and Contributions
Delivered by Prof. Angela Owusu-Ansah, Provost of Ashesi University, this closing address at the 2026 Africa Health Collaborative Annual Convening outlines her key priorities for 2027 in her new role as Chair of the Executive Steering Committee.
Meet the Speakers Scheduled for the 2026 AHC Annual Convening
Meet the distinguished speakers of the 2026 Africa Health Collaborative Annual Convening as they share insights on health workforce development, leadership, innovation and partnerships shaping the future of health systems across Africa and empowering the next generation of health leaders.
Beyond the Agenda: Bringing Mental Health and Well-being into the 2026 AHC Annual Convening
At the 2026 Africa Health Collaborative Annual Convening, mental health and well-being move beyond discussion into practice. Through quiet spaces, art therapy, movement, and youth-led innovation, AHC is creating a convening experience that supports meaningful participation, connection, leadership, and lasting impact.
Meet the Ventures Showcasing at the 2026 Africa Health Collaborative Annual Convening
These ventures advancing primary healthcare, entrepreneurship and health systems strengthening across Africa will showcase their innovations at the 2026 Annual AHC Convening.
From Clinic to Country: Building Ethiopia’s First Integrated Model for Older Adult Health
What began with one doctor questioning fragmented care for older adults has grown into a pioneering model for Ethiopia. With leadership skills strengthened through the IMIx Certificate, Dr. Asrat built an integrated clinic now informing the country’s healthy aging efforts.
Apply for the Fully-Funded Healthy Futures South Africa (HFSA) PhD Fellowship Programme
This four-year programme supports emerging African health researchers and leaders to conduct community-focused research, strengthen health systems, and translate evidence into meaningful policy impact.
Ubuntu Rising Centres Youth Leadership, Innovation and Employment in Africa’s Health Future
More than 80 young health professionals, innovators and leaders gathered at Ubuntu Rising to advance youth leadership, innovation and employment. Their nine recommendations will inform the Africa Health Collaborative’s Youth Agenda and strengthen pathways for young people across Africa’s health ecosystem.
Advancing Health Equity in Africa: How Universities, Civil Society, and Communities Can Strengthen Primary Health Care
In the next HiAS, we explore how governments, universities, civil society and communities can work together to strengthen PHC and advance UHC in Africa, drawing on practical experiences, community engagement and lessons for building more equitable, resilient and people-centred health systems.
Emerging Leaders’ Day: From Youth Participation to Youth Influence
Emerging Leaders’ Day will bring together young health leaders from across Africa to build leadership skills, strengthen networks, and influence conversations shaping the future of health systems.
Leading Change Through Lived Experience
Across Africa, an emerging generation of health leaders is transforming personal challenges into powerful innovations. Through the AHC’s Young Leaders Committee, young researchers, entrepreneurs, technologists, and advocates are drawing on lived experiences with illness, caregiving, mental health, and healthcare inequities to design solutions that strengthen health systems and expand access to care.