Scaling Resilient Primary Healthcare in Africa Through Strategic Partnerships and Innovative Financing

I had the privilege of participating in the ABCHealth Panel at the African Healthcare Forum, joining a distinguished group of healthcare leaders and changemakers to discuss “Scaling Resilient Primary Healthcare in Africa through Strategic Public-Private Partnerships, Digital Innovation, and Sustainable Financing".

The discussion reinforced an important reality: achieving universal access to quality primary healthcare across Africa will require more than increased public spending. It calls for innovative partnerships, sustainable financing models, and market-driven solutions that place people at the centre of healthcare delivery.

During the panel, I shared my perspective on how innovative financing mechanisms and private sector-led market solutions can expand equitable access to quality healthcare while strengthening the long-term sustainability of health systems.

As governments across Africa face growing fiscal pressures, there is an urgent need to unlock private capital in ways that complement public investment and contribute to improved health outcomes. This requires creating an enabling environment for responsible private sector participation while keeping affordability and equity at the centre.

I also highlighted several financing innovations that African countries can prioritise to attract greater private investment into Primary Healthcare (PHC). These include blended finance models, results-based financing, health insurance expansion, impact investing, and digital financial solutions that can improve efficiency, accountability, and access for underserved populations.

One message resonated throughout the discussion: resilient health systems cannot be built by governments alone.

Strong collaboration between the public sector, private sector, development partners, and communities is essential to creating healthcare systems that are sustainable, inclusive, and responsive to people's needs.

My sincere appreciation to ABCHealth and the organisers of the African Healthcare Forum for convening this important conversation. It was an honour to contribute alongside distinguished panellists who remain committed to advancing healthcare across the continent.

Africa has the talent, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit to reimagine primary healthcare. The opportunity before us is to build financing and partnership models that expand access, strengthen health systems, and ensure that no one is left behind.