More than 300 high-level health leaders, ministers, investors, global CEOs and policymakers have convened in Accra for the opening of the World Health Expo (WHX) Leaders Africa Summit, signalling a major continental push for accelerated healthcare investment and innovation.
Themed “Catalysing Africa’s Health Revolution through Investment, Innovation, Impact and Infrastructure,” the summit opened on Monday under the patronage of President John Dramani Mahama, who called for urgent strengthening of Africa’s health security, expanded regional manufacturing, and deeper public-private partnerships.
Mahama Calls for Continental Unity and Investment
Opening the summit, President Mahama emphasized that Africa must take full ownership of its health future by mobilising investment and aligning national and private-sector capabilities.
“Governments need to combine forces with the private sector and other partners to make sure we have universal healthcare,” he said. “WHX Leaders Africa is a defining continental moment where Africa asserts its rightful place. Africa cannot afford to be a bystander.”
The President urged the continent to scale innovation, build medical manufacturing capacity, and ensure health security frameworks capable of withstanding future shocks.
Ghana Reaffirms Leadership Role in Africa’s Health Transformation
Delivering the keynote address, Health Minister Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh underscored Ghana’s commitment to driving Africa’s next phase of health development. He said the summit must serve as a turning point in continental partnership-building.
“We are not at WHX Leaders Africa to talk about the future—we are here to build it,” he declared. “Partnerships in the health sector are not optional; they are indispensable. When aligned with national visions, they amplify our strength.”
Informa Markets Pledges Long-Term Support
Speaking on behalf of the organisers, Peter Hall, President for Middle East, India, Türkiye & Africa at Informa Markets, described WHX Leaders Africa as “a call to action,” designed to shape investment priorities and unlock sustainable health solutions.
“At Informa Markets, we remain committed to ensuring WHX Leaders Africa becomes a catalytic platform that sparks new alliances, amplifies ambition and accelerates momentum,” Hall said.
Summit Sessions Tackle Infrastructure, Manufacturing, Women’s Health and Financing
The opening day featured ministerial and executive-led sessions on core pillars of Africa’s health transformation, with discussions focused on:
Healthcare infrastructure investment
Local pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing
Women’s health and family planning
Centres of medical excellence
Sustainable healthcare financing
Ministers of Health from Botswana, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, South Sudan and Guinea participated alongside senior executives from Siemens Healthineers, Pfizer, Africa CDC, Mount Sinai International, ABCHealth, the Gates Foundation, Hologic, Roche Diagnostics and others.
The sessions explored policy reforms, innovative financing, workforce development, and deeper public-private sector collaboration.
Day 2 to Spotlight Digital Health, AI and Disease Surveillance
The summit continues on Tuesday with a focus on:
Digital health systems
AI-powered diagnostics
Biotechnology and R&D partnerships
Strengthened NCD response
Advanced disease surveillance
A renewed approach to HIV prevention and treatment
Technology leaders, development financiers and government representatives are expected to outline investment models and partnership frameworks that can accelerate Africa’s ability to deliver modern, equitable healthcare.
Ghana Positions Itself as a Continental Health Convenor
Hosting the WHX Leaders Africa Summit further cements Ghana’s reputation as a regional hub for high-level dialogue, innovation and health-sector investment. Organisers say the platform is set to influence policy, mobilise capital and foster cross-sector alliances capable of transforming Africa’s healthcare landscape.
