Lapaire secures UGX11 billion to expand eye care services in Uganda, Africa

Kampala, Uganda – Lapaire Glasses SA, a leading African optical retail chain, has secured $3 million in funding from AfricInvest and Proparco to expand its operations and improve access to affordable eye care in Uganda and across the continent.

“The financial and technical support of Proparco and AfricInvest is crucial to the development of our network of optical care on the continent,” said Jérôme Lapaire, CEO of Lapaire.

In Uganda, Lapaire operates several outlets in Kampala, providing quality eyewear at fair prices to thousands of customers. With this new investment, the company plans to increase its presence in Uganda and expand into new markets in East Africa.

“Proparco is thrilled to support a committed company such as Lapaire, which provides better access to optical care for those with limited financial means,” said Sadio Dicko, Regional Director of Proparco.

Lapaire currently operates over 80 optical shops across Ivory Coast, Benin, Togo, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Uganda. The company aims to expand into Senegal, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Tanzania.

Faisal Jiwa, Senior Partner of AfricInvest, added: “AfricInvest is proud to support the Lapaire team through its Transform Health Fund and contribute to making eye care more accessible and affordable to low- and middle-income patients, so often underserved across the continent.”

The World Health Organization estimates that 80% of visually impaired people in Africa do not receive proper care. Lapaire’s expansion plans aim to improve the lives of one million people by 2026.

In Uganda, Lapaire’s services are particularly crucial, where access to quality eye care remains limited, especially in rural areas.