African policymakers and global industry leaders have renewed calls for deeper regional capacity, stronger local manufacturing, and smarter partnerships to drive the continent’s long-term health security, as the WHX (World Health Expo) Leaders Africa Summit opened under the theme, “Catalyzing Africa’s Health Revolution through Investment, Innovation, Impact and Infrastructure.”
Delivering his address, Ghana’s Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, said Africa must shift decisively from aspirational planning to implementation if it is to transform its health systems by 2050. Speaking on the theme “Africa’s Healthcare in 2050: From Emerging Leader to Global Powerhouse,” he urged the continent to adopt a more assertive, execution-driven posture.
“We are not here to talk about the future, we are here to build it,” he said, outlining a long-term vision anchored in strengthened primary healthcare, data-driven decision-making and advanced diagnostic capacity. Akandoh noted that Ghana is investing in digital health platforms, national data intelligence systems and AI-enabled diagnostics to improve access, efficiency and governance.
He also called for an end to aid-dependent health development models, arguing that Africa must be treated as a global contributor, not a beneficiary. “Africa is ready,” he said, “and Africa deserves partnerships that strengthen local capacity, respect national ambition, and accelerate shared prosperity.”
Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare underscored the economic dimensions of health transformation, urging increased investment in vaccine production, pharmaceuticals and medical device manufacturing. She warned that Africa’s heavy reliance on imported medical supplies continues to erode both economic resilience and health security.
“Our vision is clear, Africa must produce what it consumes,” she stated. “Industrial parks, regulatory reforms, capacity building and strategic financing are key to positioning Africa as a global hub for pharmaceutical innovation and health manufacturing.”
Ofosu-Adjare added that Ghana will leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to expand market access and strengthen the country’s role as a regional centre for health products “made in Africa, for Africa and the world.”
Informa Markets expressed strong backing for the continent’s health transformation agenda. Peter Hall, President for Middle East, India, Turkey and Africa, commended Ghana for hosting the high-level convening and said the WHX Leaders Summit aims to unlock long-term structural reform through coordinated public–private action.
“This gathering is not just an event, it is a call to action,” he said, emphasising that the platform is designed to connect policymakers, industry leaders and investors to drive scalable health solutions. Hall noted the summit’s potential to shape investment priorities, support policy direction and accelerate the development of resilient health systems.
Held under the patronage of President Mahama, the WHX Leaders Summit convenes heads of state, ministers, investors, innovators and development partners to mobilise resources, policy commitments and innovation for Africa’s health transformation.
This year’s theme seeks to deepen investment, foster partnerships and build the infrastructure and institutional capacity needed for a future-ready health ecosystem.
