Nampula, Mozambique, May 19, 2026 (Lusa) - Alexandre Cobre, a 32-year-old Mozambican pharmacist, has created an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system that locates medicines, compares prices and indicates availability in pharmacies, with over 200 registered on the platform in Nampula, northern Mozambique.
“Sometimes medicine is available, but people can’t find it because of a lack of information.”
“The platform allows patients to chat directly with pharmacists, send photos of prescriptions and receive immediate replies regarding the availability of medicines,” the university lecturer, originally from Nampula, told Lusa.
The Muzi AI platform, developed by MozBioMed, began three years ago with a team of educated, locally trained young men.
With the app, he aims to alleviate public suffering by providing real-time information on the nearest and cheapest pharmacies for those seeking medicine.
"As a scientist, a Mozambican and a pharmacist, what motivated me was seeing the suffering of the public," said Cobre, adding that the app will be available free of charge to everyone.
In addition to the citizen-focused component, the platform is also aimed at pharmacies, which will have access to intelligent systems for stock management, customer reception and the organisation of consumption data.
"It’s not just an app; it’s a complete artificial intelligence ecosystem. In fact, the first of its kind in Mozambique," he said proudly, adding that at least 200 pharmacies are already registered, a figure he considers significant given that the system has only been operational for a few days.
All data collected through the AI system is processed anonymously and could serve as strategic support for health authorities, he added.
The platform's official launch is scheduled for July at Nampula Central Hospital, a venue set to become a symbol of digital transformation in the health sector.
He also revealed that he is testing a platform that detects counterfeit banknotes by taking a photograph with a mobile phone, developed as part of the scientific workshops the Bank of Mozambique organised.
This platform, which recognises only 500-metical (€6.70) and 1,000-metical (€13.40) notes, will help vulnerable groups frequently affected by the circulation of counterfeit notes, including mobile wallet operators, informal vendors and transport workers.
“These people work all day and sometimes end up being cheated by a counterfeit note,” he said, adding that the Mali AI app will also allow citizens to report suspicious cases directly to the central bank, feeding into a national statistical monitoring system.
Whether at Mali AI or Muzi AI, Alexandre works with other young Mozambicans and encourages the development of pioneering artificial intelligence systems.
“Young people have talent, but often lack guidance and opportunity,” he concluded.
AYF/MYAL // ADB.
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