African governments have been urged to urgently modernise their healthcare systems and policies to embrace artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies as the GITEX Future Health Africa Conference opened in Casablanca.
Speaking at the opening of the three-day summit, Amine Tahraoui, Morocco’s Minister of Health and Social Protection, warned that Africa risks being left behind if it fails to adapt quickly to rapid technological changes transforming global healthcare.
He said innovations such as artificial intelligence, telemedicine and advanced diagnostic tools are already reshaping medical care worldwide, helping hospitals perform complex procedures, improve disease surveillance and bridge gaps in healthcare access, particularly in underserved communities.
“Technology is moving faster than we are,” Mr Tahraoui said, stressing the need for African policymakers to create systems that allow innovation to thrive rather than lag behind global trends.
The conference, themed “Digitising Africa’s Healthcare Future: Essential Care Advancing with AI,” has brought together healthcare leaders, investors, start-ups and exhibitors from more than 20 African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and Ethiopia.
Organised by the Mohammed VI Foundation for Sciences and Health, Morocco’s Ministry of Health and Social Protection, and KAOUN International, the summit is being held under the patronage of King Mohammed VI.
Discussions at the opening session focused on strengthening Africa’s health sovereignty through local financing, coordinated policies and regional partnerships.
Mr Tahraoui called for African nations to work together on vaccine production, medicine procurement and the creation of a unified disease surveillance system to improve healthcare resilience across the continent.
Professor Youns Bjijou also stressed that healthcare should be viewed as a strategic investment rather than a financial burden, warning that innovation must be used to expand access and reduce inequalities.
He said the future of African healthcare depends on ensuring that technological advancements benefit all citizens, regardless of location or income level.
