Created by three tech entrepreneurs from Nigeria, it aims system to verify the authenticity of medications and food products. Its goal is to safeguard African consumers. Its founding team rapidly teamed up with the Nigerian National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to implement their solution.

Chekkit is a health-tech solution created by a Nigerian startup that enables users to verify the authenticity of the medications they consume. Founded in 2018 by Dare Odumade, Tosin Adelowo, and Samuel Ukhueleigbe, the company operates out of Lagos, Nigeria, and Houston, Texas. In 2023, Chekkit secured an undisclosed amount of funding aimed at enhancing its technology and supporting its growth.

"...We develop unique technological products to protect the lives of millions and also directly improve the business operations for several brands by understanding consumers in the largely informal African markets," said Dare Odumade.

The solution features a mobile application available on both iOS and Android, which has been downloaded over 10,000 times, according to Play Store data. Users can access the app without creating an account. After downloading, they simply scan the QR code on the medication packaging. If the product is authentic, all manufacturing information and the expiration date will be displayed, helping to prevent the use of counterfeit and expired medications.

The application only authenticates products with labels from Chekkit. The start-up has established contracts with various companies across the continent to assist consumers in distinguishing authentic products from counterfeits. Notable partners include Indomie, Nivea, and Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc. These companies or their distributors are required to affix stickers with unique codes on their product packaging.

In addition to its core functionality, the Chekkit app allows users to participate in consumer surveys. Users can answer a series of questions and receive various rewards in return. They also have the option to file complaints against companies or pharmaceutical laboratories. In September 2022, Chekkit Technologies Corp was selected as one of thirty startups to participate in the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's Investing in Innovation (i3) program, culminating in a $50,000 grant.

Adoni Conrad Quenum