But it is attitudes like these that are inhibiting femtech development and which raise ethical questions around universal rights to healthcare. Cultural issues play a major factor in the stunted growth of femtech in Africa. The notion that femtech demand in Africa is not as high as other regions is of course misplaced, but an overall lack of focus on Africa as an investment target could equally be to blame. “Population issues are so difficult to talk about that the development community has been ignoring them for years,” Mr Ezeh wrote in the Goalkeepers report. This rapid surge in smartphone usage could be the very facilitator that’s needed to spread awareness and understanding of fertility issues across the continent.

Source: The North Africa Journal March 28, 2019 12:22 UTC