Africa must embark on bold reforms and make strategic investments in its health sector if it is to emerge as a global leader in healthcare by 2050, the Minister of Health has said.

Speaking at the 2025 World Health Expo in Accra on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, he urged governments, investors, and development partners to come together to build a resilient, world-class healthcare systems across the continent.

"By 2050, our continent will be home to 2.5 billion people, the youngest and most dynamic population anywhere in the world. The demographic force is not a burden, but a powerful competitive advantage that must be matched with the bold reforms and strategic investments. With other regions, Africa will lead", he remarked.

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Mintah Akandoh stressed the need for regional pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing, harmonized regulatory systems, and strong public-private partnerships to drive technology transfer and health sovereignty.

"Africa must invest in regional manufacturing homes, strengthen pharmaceutical and medical device production, harmonize regulatory systems, and build strong public-private partnerships that accelerate technology transfer", he added.

More than 350 global and African health leaders have gathered in Accra for the second edition of the World Health Expo (WHX) Leaders Africa Summit a high-level forum.

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The forum is focused on accelerating healthcare transformation and building resilient health systems across the continent.

The summit is under the theme, “Catalysing Africa’s Health Revolution through Investment, Innovation, Impact and Infrastructure.”

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