A cross-continental gathering of health leaders in Accra is sparking a bold push to accelerate Africa’s health transformation. More than 300 influential figures—ministers, investors, multinational CEOs, and policymakers—convened at this year’s World Health Expo (WHX) Leaders Africa Summit with a clear mandate: speed up funding, deepen partnerships, and demonstrate decisive leadership.
Under the theme “Catalysing Africa’s Health Revolution through Investment, Innovation, Impact and Infrastructure,” the summit—hosted in Ghana with President John Dramani Mahama in attendance—highlights Ghana’s growing role as a regional convener and Informa’s position as a global driver of healthcare investment. The gathering seeks to unlock strategic capital and build alliances that can establish world-class, resilient health systems across Africa.
Discussion focused on pivotal topics such as digital health, AI-informed diagnostics, biotechnology and research collaborations, strategies for non-communicable diseases, disease surveillance, and a reimagined continent-wide approach to HIV prevention and treatment. The event also featured ministerial and executive sessions centered on core pillars of Africa’s health evolution, including infrastructure development, local production of medicines and medical devices, women’s health and family planning, centers of medical excellence, and sustainable healthcare financing.
Opening remarks by President Mahama emphasized strengthening health security while expanding innovation and regional manufacturing through strategic partnerships. He stated, “Governments must join forces with the private sector and other partners to ensure universal health care.” He added, “WHX Leaders Africa marks a defining moment for the continent, where Africa claims its rightful role. Let’s recommit to shaping our own future. Africa cannot remain a bystander.”
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh reinforced Ghana’s pledge to drive continental progress and urged stakeholders to pursue robust collaborations. “We are not here at WHX Leaders Africa merely to discuss the future; we are here to build it,” he asserted. “Let this summit be remembered as the moment Africa seized the opportunity to forge resilient partnerships because strong national visions depend on collaboration. Partnerships in health are not optional; they are essential, and when aligned with national goals they magnify our collective strength.”
Peter Hall, Head of the company’s regional operations for the Middle East, India, Türkiye, and Africa, echoed the commitment to lasting platforms that unlock investment and foster durable alliances. “WHX Leaders Africa is more than an assembly of expertise; it is a call to action. We aim to craft a robust platform to steer investment priorities and deliver sustainable solutions. At Informa Markets, we remain dedicated to making WHX Leaders Africa a catalytic hub that energizes new coalitions, expands local and regional ambitions, and accelerates progress.”
