Mahama calls for healthcare investment at Alamein Africa Forum in Egypt

President John Dramani Mahama has called for a fundamental shift in Africa’s approach to healthcare, urging governments across the continent to view the sector as a strategic economic investment rather than merely a budgetary cost.

Speaking at the Health Plenary of the Alamein Africa Forum in Egypt, President Mahama stressed the need for increased investment in local pharmaceutical manufacturing, regional value chains and health innovation to strengthen Africa’s health sovereignty and reduce its dependence on imported medicines and vaccines.

He said investing in Africa’s healthcare industry would not only improve access to essential medical products and services but also create high-value jobs, stimulate industrial growth and build a more resilient health system across the continent.

President Mahama emphasised that Africa must develop its capacity to manufacture essential medicines, vaccines and other health products locally instead of relying heavily on external suppliers to meet its healthcare needs.

He noted that strengthening domestic production and regional cooperation would position African countries to respond more effectively to public health emergencies while creating new economic opportunities for businesses, researchers and skilled professionals.

Highlighting Ghana’s healthcare priorities under his Reset agenda, the President pointed to initiatives aimed at expanding access to healthcare and improving the country’s capacity to meet its medical needs.

These include the expansion of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), the introduction of Free Primary Health Care, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund and efforts to strengthen domestic production of health-related products.

According to the President’s vision, these measures form part of a broader effort to improve healthcare delivery while building a stronger and more sustainable health sector that contributes to national development.

President Mahama further called for closer collaboration among African governments, financial institutions, regulators and industrial leaders to accelerate investment in healthcare manufacturing and innovation.

He stressed that building resilient African health industries would require coordinated policies, adequate financing, effective regulation and stronger partnerships between the public and private sectors.

The President’s call comes amid growing recognition of the importance of reducing Africa’s dependence on imported medical supplies and developing local capacity to support healthcare systems, industrialisation and economic growth.

He urged stakeholders to embrace a new approach that places healthcare at the centre of Africa’s economic transformation, arguing that investment in the sector is essential to safeguarding the continent’s health security and long-term prosperity.

President Mahama maintained that a stronger African health industry would help countries protect their populations, create employment opportunities and secure a more independent economic future.