Case Study: Sproxil - From Startup to Global Recognition

How Strategic Digital Marketing & Media Relations Helped a Nigerian Health-Tech Startup Gain International Recognition.

A comprehensive digital marketing campaign that secured CNBC Africa coverage, CNN Startup Review features, and amplified brand awareness for life-saving pharmaceutical technology.

Client Background

Company: Sproxil
Industry: Health Technology / Pharmaceutical Authentication
Challenge: Raising awareness for an innovative mobile app that helps consumers verify authentic medications and combat counterfeit drugs

Key Challenges:

  • Limited brand awareness for a life-saving technology

  • Complex product requiring clear consumer education

  • Need for credible media coverage to build trust

  • Target audience spanning healthcare consumers and industry professionals

  • Competitive landscape in health-tech space

THE STRATEGY SECTION

    • Secured high-profile CNBC Africa placement

    • Positioned CEO for thought leadership opportunities

    • Developed compelling story angles around counterfeit drug prevention

    • Created clear, compelling messaging around product benefits

    • Developed consumer education materials

    • Crafted narratives that connected technology to real-world health impact

    • Produced educational video content

    • Created product demonstration materials

    • Developed storytelling videos for social media and PR use

    • App store optimisation and promotion

    • Social media strategy and execution

    • Content marketing to drive awareness and downloads

CNN Innovate Africa Documentary

Barbara coordinated the production of CNN's "Innovate Africa" documentary featuring Sproxil's groundbreaking pharmaceutical authentication technology. Working behind the scenes, she managed the comprehensive documentary production process, liaising between CNN's international production team and Sproxil's stakeholders to showcase African innovation on a global platform.

Smartphone screen displaying the Sprovil app with options to input data or scan, held by a person's hand. In the background is the Sprovil logo with the tagline 'Protecting Brands Globally.'
A smartphone screen displaying a green verification page with a white checkmark and a message confirming the product is genuine. Next to it is a medicine box with detailed composition, indications, storage instructions, and a dispensing schedule.
Two women smiling and looking at a smartphone, standing outdoors. To their left is a smartphone screen displaying an app menu with options like verify by scanning code, verify by typing code, view verification history, view report, view profile, and
A man wearing glasses and a dark suit with a light blue shirt and handkerchief in pocket, sitting in a studio with an outdoor cityscape background of Lagos, Nigeria, discussing counterfeit drugs.
A woman with glasses and curly hair looking at her smartphone while sitting at a wooden table with a black laptop, laptop, mug, and water glass. Background shows warm lighting and a modern office cafe setting.
Advertisement for Sproxl app, promoting its ability to detect counterfeit products, featuring a hand holding a smartphone displaying the app interface with options to verify by scanning or typing a code, download buttons for Google Play and the App S

THE RESULTS SECTION

Measurable Impact:

  • Media Coverage:
    CNBC Africa prime-time feature - Reaching millions of viewers across Africa
    CNN Startup Review coverage - International recognition and credibility
    Social media amplification - Extended reach through digital channels

  • Brand Recognition:
    Established thought leadership in health-tech space
    Increased app downloads through strategic marketing
    Enhanced credibility with healthcare industry stakeholders

  • Strategic Outcomes:
    Media relationships established for ongoing PR opportunities
    Brand messaging clarity improved consumer understanding
    Digital presence strengthened across multiple channels

"Barbara's strategic approach to digital marketing and media relations was instrumental in helping Sproxil gain the visibility and credibility we needed. Her ability to secure high-profile media placements like CNBC Africa and CNN, combined with her comprehensive digital marketing strategy, significantly elevated our brand presence in the competitive health-tech space."

— Sproxil Leadership Team