TAMC 2024: There is need to unlock Africa's medical technology potential

Africa stands at a crucial point in its healthcare evolution, facing deep challenges in medical technology (MedTech) while also holding vast untapped potential. 

The continent's healthcare systems are under-resourced, with basic equipment often unavailable, forcing medical professionals to improvise care in difficult conditions. This lack of essential medical devices, coupled with underdeveloped infrastructure and inconsistent regulations, has left Africa relying heavily on imported equipment—a costly and inefficient practice that undermines effective healthcare delivery. 

Yet, the creation of MedTech hubs could offer a transformative solution to these issues, helping to revolutionise healthcare and foster economic growth.

Although Africa currently accounts for just 1.2pc of the global MedTech market, the sector is poised for significant growth, with projections suggesting it could expand from $7.5 billion to $9.8 billion by 2025, outpacing global growth rates. 

To harness this potential, Africa must address its infrastructural and regulatory challenges. One solution could be the development of MedTech hubs—centers of innovation, manufacturing, and collaboration that bring together healthcare professionals, innovators, governments, and investors to drive progress.

"Africa needs to start owning the healthcare industry," said Wilfred Njagi, Co-Founder and CEO of Villgro Africa while delivering his opening remarks at the Transforming Africa MedTech Conference (TAMC) 2024, held in Nairobi between August 28 to August 30, 2024.

"We can’t continue exporting money and resources by sending patients to India and other countries for medical treatment when we have the capacity to develop our own systems. Medical devices should be manufactured locally, and healthcare should become a net income earner for African economies, much like tourism," he added.

His call for action reflects a broader movement toward building local capacity to meet the continent’s medical needs and stimulate economic growth.

Development of MedTech hubs can serve as focal points for innovation and collaboration by allowing local manufacturers to create medical devices tailored specifically to the region’s healthcare needs, reducing reliance on costly imports. 

Founder and CEO of A-Lite Uganda Emmanuel Kamuhire, highlighted the potential of local innovation, sharing his experience developing a device that helps doctors locate veins for intravenous cannulation. 

"This is just one example of how we can focus on manufacturing medical devices locally rather than depending on imports," Mr Kamuhire said. 

Such innovations demonstrate that African entrepreneurs are ready to meet the continent’s healthcare needs, provided they have the necessary support.

Developing MedTech hubs would also address the continent’s regulatory challenges. Currently, many African countries lack robust regulatory frameworks for approving and monitoring medical devices, which creates uncertainty for manufacturers and hinders investment. By working closely with governments, MedTech hubs can help streamline these processes, ensuring that medical devices are rigorously tested, approved, and brought to market efficiently. 

"We need a regulatory environment that encourages innovation while maintaining safety and efficacy," Dr Lisa Ochola noted during the conference. 

"When we create clarity around regulations, we’ll see more investment in the sector and a more reliable supply of medical technologies."

Mr Njagi also pointed to the broader economic potential of MedTech hubs, noting that healthcare should not be seen solely as a social service but as a key sector in driving economic growth. 

"If we build MedTech ecosystems in developing cities like Konza, Kenya, we can attract global investment and transform healthcare into a major economic contributor. Africa should be encouraging medical tourism, just as it does with tourism," he argued. 

His vision for a thriving MedTech industry in Africa is rooted in the belief that healthcare can be both a public good and a driver of economic prosperity.

The development of MedTech hubs offers a solution to many of the challenges currently facing Africa’s healthcare systems. These hubs can foster innovation, reduce costs, streamline regulatory processes, and build a skilled workforce—all while positioning healthcare as a key driver of economic growth. With concerted effort from governments, healthcare providers, and investors, Africa has the opportunity to unlock its vast MedTech potential and improve healthcare access for millions across the continent.