By Rebecca Ampah
Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, says Africa’s future leadership will depend on how well the continent builds its own capacity to produce medicines, vaccines, and medical tools.
Speaking at the World Health Expo (WHX) Leaders Summit 2025, he said Africa must take bold steps now to secure its place in the global health space.
He stressed that “to lead in 2050, Africa must invest in regional manufacturing hubs, strengthen pharmaceutical and medical device production, harmonise regulatory systems, and build strong public-private partnerships that accelerate technology transfer.”
According to him, the WHX meeting is not just another annual event. He said it is “more than an annual event but a call to mobilize strategic investment, forge meaningful alliances, and accelerate the emergence of world-class, resilient health care across the continent.”
He added that WHX has become a place “where ambition is converted into action and where Africa’s vision for health sovereignty gains clarity, strength, and direction.”
The health Minister reminded participants that the continent must move from planning to action. “We are not only here to talk about the future but to build it.”
He rejected the old narrative that Africa is defined by lack, saying, “For too long, Africa’s health narrative was framed by scarcity, yet the Africa of today and even the Africa we are shaping demands a story rooted in possibility and capacity.”
He also pointed to Africa’s growing population as a major advantage. “By 2050, our continent will grow to 2.5 billion people, the youngest and most dynamic population anywhere in the world.”
He described this not as a burden but “the powerful competitive advantage that must be matched with bold reforms and strategic investment.”
Akandoh believes Africa can rise if it takes decisive action. “If we act decisively, Africa will not merely catch up with other regions; Africa will lead.” He added that “WHX is the catalyst to accelerate that leadership.”
He said Africa’s ability to produce essential health tools is central to this progress. “No continent can be sovereign while importing most of its medicines and nearly all its vaccines.”
The Minister noted that “Ghana’s growing vaccine manufacturing capacities and regulatory reforms reflect our readiness to drive this continental agenda.”
But he stressed that partnerships remain vital. “Even the strongest national vision cannot succeed without partnership.” He added that “When partnerships are aligned with Africa’s vision, they amplify our strength, but when they are not, they dilute it.”
He concluded by noting that “WHX has become a platform” that brings the right partners together to push Africa’s health transformation forward.
