The 2024 HCOWA West Africa Industry Investment Summit and Expo, held under the theme “Moving in Advance: Lay Out a New Track for the Medical and Health Industry in West Africa,” convened crucial stakeholders to discuss the future of healthcare investment and strengthen the China-Africa relationship in the sector.
The summit which was held on 26th August, 2024 after the opening ceremony of the 2024 HCOWA West Africa Medical Industry Investment Summit and Expo, emphasized the pressing need to boost healthcare manufacturing and investment in West Africa, focusing on transforming the region from a consumer of medical supplies to a hub of healthcare innovation and production.
Dr. John Hawkins Asiedu, Technical Advisor at the Ministry of Trade and Industry
Dr. John Hawkins Asiedu, Technical Advisor at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, underscored the importance of healthcare investment, highlighting it as a key driver for national growth. He elaborated on how enhancing the healthcare sector aligns with broader trade and industry goals, suggesting that improved healthcare infrastructure can attract more investment, foster local industries, and create job opportunities.
Dr. Asiedu stressed that developing local manufacturing capabilities in healthcare could reduce dependency on imports, thus strengthening the regional economy and improving healthcare resilience.
Mr. Serene Akpanya, Central Regional Administrator of Ghana Health Service
On behalf of the Central Regional Minister, Mr. Serene Akpanya, Central Regional Administrator of Ghana Health Service, addressed the need for substantial investment in the healthcare sector.
He emphasized that while progress has been made, the Central Region—and Ghana as a whole—must move beyond an over-reliance on imported medical equipment and supplies.
“To meet the demands of our people and position our region as a leader in medical advancements, we must transition from being mere consumers to becoming proactive manufacturers,” he stated.
Mr. Akpanya highlighted that such a shift would not only alleviate economic strains but also enhance the region’s healthcare autonomy.
Madam Anna Jiang, CEO of HCOWA, spoke on the vital role of partnerships in the future of healthcare. She noted that the complex challenges faced by the healthcare sector require diverse and inclusive cooperation.
“At HCOWA, we envision a West Africa where healthcare is a thriving ecosystem of innovation and sustainability. Our initiatives focus on upgrading medical facilities and investing in the people who provide care, ensuring that we build a robust healthcare system capable of meeting future needs,” she explained.
Madam Jiang stressed that HCOWA’s efforts are geared towards not only responding to current healthcare demands but also establishing West Africa as a central player in global healthcare investment.
Mr. Xu Xiangping, President of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Promotion (CAETP), echoed the need to strengthen the China-Africa relationship to bolster the healthcare industry. He emphasized that growing the sector is essential for its role as a pillar of economic development.
According to Mr. Xu, fostering a collaborative environment between China and Africa could lead to significant advancements and establish the healthcare sector as a fundamental component of economic growth.
The summit highlighted the shared commitment of both regions to advance healthcare infrastructure and manufacturing, setting a collaborative path towards a more self-sufficient and innovative healthcare landscape in West Africa.
