French Health Insurer Alan Makes Its Debut in Africa
French digital health insurer Alan has taken its first steps into the African market by finalizing the acquisition of Tanel, a Senegalese company specializing in the digital management of health coverage. Tanel operates in both Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire. The deal’s value has not been disclosed.
Announced on September 2, 2026, this acquisition marks Alan’s first foothold on the continent. Founded in Dakar in 2021 by Mouhamed Ndoye and Makhtar Diop, Tanel helps companies manage their employees’ health coverage while facilitating access to care and tracking benefits for end-users. The startup currently claims approximately 70,000 beneficiaries across more than 400 companies, supported by a network of over 1,200 pharmacies and healthcare professionals. Alan revealed that it had invested in Tanel during its 2024 seed round before ultimately acquiring the company.
Strategic Market Entry
The choice of Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire is strategic. Alan estimates the health insurance market in these two countries at nearly €600 million, with an annual growth rate of approximately 10%. The group is betting on demographic growth, the development of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and increasing corporate demand for simpler, more manageable health coverage solutions.
The Senegalese insurance market is already sending positive signals. According to the Senegalese Federation of Insurance Companies, the sector’s revenue reached 311 billion CFA francs in 2025, up from 249 billion in 2022. This marks the first time the market has crossed the 300 billion CFA franc threshold.
However, for Alan, the goal is not merely to sell insurance. The group aims to replicate its integrated model in Africa, combining health coverage, prevention, support services, and digital tools.
Accelerated Growth Through Acquisition
The acquisition provides Alan with advantages that a traditional market entry would not achieve as quickly:
- A local team
- Established relationships with companies and healthcare professionals
- Concrete knowledge of the Senegalese and Ivorian healthcare systems
Alan and Tanel plan to first strengthen their operations in Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire before expanding to other African markets, particularly English-speaking regions in West and East Africa. Their stated objective is to surpass one million beneficiaries in Africa by 2030.
Financial Backing for Expansion
This African offensive comes at a time when Alan has significant new financial resources. Contrary to initial reports of a €100 million raise in March, the group announced in June 2026 a €480 million Series G funding round led by Prosus. This investment valued Alan at €5.5 billion.
As of late August, Alan reported having approximately 1.14 million members and nearly €840 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR).
