Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has urged African governments to accelerate investments in local pharmaceutical and medical production, warning that the continent’s ability to lead globally by 2050 depends on decisive action taken today.

Speaking at the World Health Expo (WHX) Leaders Summit 2025, the Minister said Africa must shift from dependency to self-sufficiency by building robust regional manufacturing hubs, increasing vaccine and medical device production, harmonising regulatory systems, and deepening public-private partnerships to speed up technology transfer.

“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,” he stressed.

Akandoh noted that the WHX platform is not merely another annual gathering but a strategic call to mobilise investment and forge alliances that will transform Africa’s health systems.

He described WHX as a space “where ambition is converted into action and where Africa’s vision for health sovereignty gains clarity, strength, and direction.”

Calling on the continent’s leaders to move from rhetoric to delivery, he said:

“We are not only here to talk about the future but to build it.”

The Minister rejected outdated perceptions that Africa’s health sector is defined by scarcity, arguing that the continent’s growing capacity and potential must shape a new narrative.

“For too long, Africa’s health narrative was framed by scarcity, yet the Africa of today and the Africa we are shaping demands a story rooted in possibility and capacity.”

He highlighted Africa’s population growth as a competitive advantage rather than a burden, noting that the continent is projected to reach 2.5 billion people by 2050, becoming the world’s youngest and most dynamic region.

Akandoh believes this demographic energy, combined with bold reforms, could propel Africa into global leadership.

“If we act decisively, Africa will not merely catch up with other regions; Africa will lead. WHX is the catalyst to accelerate that leadership.”

He emphasised that no continent can claim sovereignty while importing most of its medicines and nearly all its vaccines. He referenced Ghana’s growing vaccine manufacturing capacity and regulatory reforms as examples of the continent’s readiness to drive health independence.

While stressing local capacity, the Minister underscored the importance of alliances that reinforce Africa’s vision.

“Even the strongest national vision cannot succeed without partnership. When partnerships are aligned with Africa’s vision, they amplify our strength; when they are not, they dilute it.”

He concluded by affirming that WHX has evolved into a critical platform connecting the right partners to push Africa’s health transformation forward.