Kylian Mbappé-backed health start-up expands to west Africa

September 2, 2026 - 05:35

The French digital health insurance company Alan, which counts soccer star Kylian Mbappé among its investors, has announced a deal to acquire the Senegalese insurer Tanel. The move marks Alan's first expansion into West Africa and comes just months after a fundraising round valued the company at 5.5 billion euros.

Alan, which operates primarily in France, Belgium, and Spain, has built a reputation for offering paperless, app-based health coverage with a focus on preventive care. The acquisition of Tanel, a well-established player in Senegal's insurance market, is seen as a strategic entry point into a region with a young, fast-growing population and rising demand for digital services.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The company said the acquisition will allow it to offer its platform to businesses and individuals in Senegal, with plans to expand to other countries in the region in the coming years. Tanel's existing client base and local expertise are expected to help Alan navigate regulatory requirements and build trust in a market where insurance penetration remains low but is growing steadily.

Mbappé, who became a shareholder in Alan through his investment vehicle, has been vocal about supporting ventures that combine technology with social impact. His involvement has drawn attention to the startup, especially among younger consumers. Alan's leadership said the West African expansion aligns with its mission to make healthcare simpler and more accessible, and that Senegal is just the beginning. The company is already in talks with regulators in several other African nations.