The city of Accra has become the epicenter of innovation in healthcare as the 2025 China–West Africa Medical & Health Industry Expo and AI Diagnosis & Project Cooperation Summit officially commenced with a grand opening at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).
Organized by the Health Community of West Africa (HCOWA) Association, the three-day event, popularly known as the HCOWA Medical Expo, runs from August 20th to 22nd, 2025, and is expected to draw thousands of participants, including medical professionals, policymakers, investors, and innovators.
The Expo was preceded by a prestigious welcome dinner, setting the tone for collaboration and dialogue. Among the dignitaries present were the Chief of Staff, Honorable Julius Debrah, Mr. Tang Hong, and the Deputy Director General of the Ghana Health Service, alongside senior officials from Togo’s Ministry of Health, the President of HCOWA, and over Five-hundred Chinese medical manufacturers.
The dinner highlighted the spirit of friendship and mutual respect that underpins this cooperation, serving as a bridge between policy discussions and industry engagement
This year’s Expo is one of the largest of its kind, bringing together:
- Over 500 Chinese exhibitors;
- Representatives from 500+ hospitals and clinics across West Africa;
- More than 1,500 merchants and industry stakeholders;
- With an estimated 20,000 visitors expected during the three-day program.
Participants are exploring cutting-edge technologies, from AI-powered diagnostic platforms and next-generation medical imaging systems to advanced surgical tools and hospital management software.
Delivering the keynote address, Chief of Staff Hon. Julius Debrah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to partnering with HCOWA and its international collaborators.
He emphasized that healthcare remains central to Ghana’s development agenda:
“Our vision is to ensure that Ghana and West Africa are not left behind. This partnership allows us to harness global expertise to make healthcare more accessible and more innovative for our people.”
He also underlined that the Expo aligns with government’s ambition of positioning Ghana as a medical hub in the subregion, leveraging innovation to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve doctor-to-patient ratios.
Speaking to journalists, Prince Opoku Dogbey, Vice President of HCOWA Association, highlighted the transformative nature of the initiative:
“This is not just an exhibition; it is a bridge. We are connecting West Africa and China in healthcare, introducing artificial intelligence in diagnostics, medical imaging, and supply chain management to address critical gaps in our systems.”
He revealed that discussions have already begun on establishing factories in Ghana for the local production of medicines, reagents, and medical equipment:
“About 300 manufacturers from China are preparing to set up plants here in Ghana. This means jobs, industrial growth, and reduced dependence on imports. We are working closely with the Ministry of Trade and Industry to make this a reality.”
Academic and Professional Forums
A major highlight of the Expo has been the launch of four distinct medical forums, starting from Day One. These forums brought together medical professionals, researchers, and doctors from across the West African subregion, alongside Chinese manufacturers and experts. The forums provided platforms for in-depth dialogue, innovation, and knowledge exchange in key fields of healthcare, namely:
- Oncology
- AI & Traditional Medicine
- Nephrology
- Ophthalmology
Far from being simple academic sessions, these forums have served as platforms for innovation, policy dialogue, and technology showcase, delivering impactful insights that will guide both medical practice and future research in the region.
Beyond exhibitions and forums, the summit sessions are focusing on:
- Policy frameworks for medical innovation;
- Public-private partnerships in healthcare;
- Opportunities for investment in West Africa’s health industry;
- The role of AI in accelerating diagnosis and improving patient care.
Health experts argue that this Expo could mark a turning point for Ghana’s healthcare system, particularly at a time when local pharmaceutical production remains limited and hospitals are struggling under heavy patient loads.
By creating a platform for knowledge exchange, investment, and project cooperation, the Expo is expected to accelerate the adoption of AI-driven solutions, expand local production of medical supplies, and strengthen healthcare delivery across the subregion.
The event will officially conclude with a closing dinner at La Palm Royal Hotel, offering participants the opportunity to reflect on achievements, celebrate partnerships, and lay the groundwork for long-term cooperation between West Africa and China.
