Stakeholders Advocate for Accelerated Medtech Development and Commercialization in Africa

The healthcare landscape in Africa stands at a pivotal moment, with industry leaders calling for a transformation that emphasizes local innovation, manufacturing, and ownership. During the second annual Transforming African Medtech Conference (TAMC), held at the Kempinski Hotel in Nairobi, stakeholders urged for a shift towards self-sufficiency in the healthcare sector. Villgro Africa CEO, Wilfred Njagi, highlighted the economic and health benefits of supporting locally manufactured medical devices, stressing the urgent need for Africa to take ownership of its healthcare industry.

“Africa needs to start owning the healthcare industry,” Njagi stated. “For too long, we have sent patients to India and other medically advanced countries, exporting money and resources in exchange for medical attention, despite our capacity to build and advance our own systems.” Njagi’s statement resonates deeply with the overarching theme of the conference, which centered on reducing dependency on imported medical devices and investing in local innovations that cater specifically to the African context.

The event, which concluded on Friday after a successful three-day run, saw participation from 120 delegates representing 14 countries, all united by the goal of reshaping healthcare across the continent. Since its launch in 2023, the conference has emerged as a crucial platform for stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities inherent in advancing medtech in Africa. This year’s event underscored a significant demand for collaboration and networking among African professionals in the medical technology sector.

Njagi emphasized that the government’s role is critical in supporting Kenyan innovators who have the potential to develop medical devices locally. “Healthcare should become a net income earner for Kenya’s economy, much like tourism,” Njagi added. By fostering a supportive environment for local innovators, governments can help turn healthcare into a thriving industry that not only serves the local population but also contributes to the national economy.

The conference’s discussions revealed both the promise and the hurdles in the medtech landscape. Stakeholders acknowledged the challenges of limited resources, regulatory barriers, and the need for enhanced training and infrastructure. However, they also highlighted the abundant opportunities for growth and the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery through locally developed technologies.

Emmanuel Kamuhire, a biomedical engineer and CEO of A-Lite Uganda, showcased one such innovation—a device designed to assist doctors in locating veins for intravenous cannulation when veins are not easily visible. “This innovation is just one example of how we can focus on manufacturing medical devices locally, rather than relying on imports,” Kamuhire explained. His comments reflect a broader recognition among African innovators of the need to develop solutions tailored to the specific health challenges faced by the continent.

Dr. Lisa Ochola, another key speaker, pointed out that manufacturing medical devices within Africa could significantly reduce costs associated with imports, making healthcare more accessible and affordable. “By reducing our dependence on imported medical devices, we not only cut costs but also ensure that the devices are suited to the needs of our people,” Ochola noted. This sentiment was echoed by many at the conference, who believe that local production of medical devices could be a game-changer for the African healthcare sector.

As TAMC 2024 wrapped up, participants expressed optimism that the strategies and dialogues developed during the event would catalyze further advancements in African healthcare. The conference set a new benchmark for future gatherings, aiming to drive innovation, investment, and collaboration across the continent’s medtech industry.

Looking ahead, the consensus among stakeholders is clear: Africa must accelerate the development and commercialization of medtech innovations to build a robust, self-sustaining healthcare industry. By investing in local talent and fostering an ecosystem that supports medical technology development, Africa has the potential to not only meet its own healthcare needs but also to become a global player in the medtech sector.