Beating the drum for Africa’s healthcare future 

(100th article in this column for Business a.m.)

“The solutions to Africa’s challenges won’t come from silos but from a chorus of voices” – Dr Joshua Awesome

Drumrolls echoed across the verdant hills surrounding the Kigali Marriott Hotel, their rhythm punctuating the crisp Rwandan air. Six men stood beating the drums grandly, signalling not just the start of the International Ministerial Summit but the start of something transformative. The summit, held at the iconic Kilimanjaro Conference Centre, was Africa’s boldest bid yet to reimagine its healthcare future.

As the sound carried, I found myself running toward the venue, my smile as wide as the gates welcoming ministers, policymakers, and healthcare leaders from across the continent. My entry, as Sally Thompson, Group Event Director at Informa Markets, later told me, “added spice to the opening ceremony.” Her warm embrace was a reminder of the collegiality that binds change-makers like us.

The celebration began with Itore — a Rwandan cultural dance that soon went viral. Watching the crowd’s smile and excitement to the beat, I thought of home. My South African brother and friend, Mr. Pule Setai, later texted me to say, “In Sesotho, we call this ‘Dihoba.’ Truly, we are one.” And that moment, as the drums united us, felt like the heartbeat of Africa itself.

Reflecting on the experience in my hotel room later, I marvelled at the audacity of this gathering. For the first time, Africa’s Ministers of Health stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the continent’s healthcare leaders and policymakers. Orchestrated by Peter Hall, President MEA at Informa Markets, and his team — Solenne Singer, Tom Coleman, Sally Thompson and Cynthia Makarutse-Nyondoro — the summit sought not just to discuss transformation but to unlock innovation through actionable collaboration.

Here are four key lessons from the summit that resonated deeply with me, along with actionable advice for anyone inspired to drive change in Africa or beyond.

Collaboration is the catalyst for innovation

The summit’s true power lay in its unprecedented mix of voices — public and private sectors, government leaders, and grassroots innovators. Ministers of Health sat alongside tech entrepreneurs and pharmaceutical giants. Discussions ranged from digitising health records in rural clinics to leveraging AI for disease prediction.

Actionable advice: Seek out unlikely collaborators. When planning your next initiative, ask: Who else shares this problem? Form partnerships that span sectors, geographies, and even industries. The solutions to Africa’s healthcare challenges won’t come from silos but from a chorus of voices.

The Power of cultural context

Itore wasn’t just an icebreaker; it was a metaphor for unity. As Pule reminded me, Africans may speak different languages, but our rhythms and stories are deeply intertwined. Healthcare solutions, too, must respect these shared histories while addressing local nuances.

For example, one panel explored how traditional medicine could complement modern practices. Another delved into culturally relevant mental health interventions.

Actionable advice: Tailor solutions to fit local contexts. Whether you’re designing an app or launching a campaign, immerse yourself in the community. Understand their values, traditions, and pain points. Solutions that resonate culturally will always gain greater traction.

Leadership shapes legacy

I was struck by the passion of leaders like Peter Hall and his team. They didn’t just organise a summit; they created a movement. Their vision — to bring together Africa’s healthcare leaders in one room — was audacious, and their execution flawless.

Leadership was a recurring theme throughout the summit. Ministers spoke of the need for accountable governance, while entrepreneurs stressed the importance of resilient leadership in scaling innovations.

Actionable advice: Lead with vision and clarity. Whether you’re a policymaker or an entrepreneur, your leadership will inspire others to act. Articulate your goals boldly, but remain adaptable to challenges.

Dialogue to dedication: Turning talk into action

The summit was a powerful reminder that while conversations spark ideas, true transformation demands sustained commitment. Progress in Africa’s healthcare systems will rely on consistent investment, effective policies, and actionable strategies that endure beyond the conference room.

A compelling session showcased how countries can bridge healthcare funding gaps. Ministers of Health were encouraged to collaborate with Finance Ministers and engage institutions like the African Development Bank. Rwanda’s Health Ministry provided an inspiring example, sharing how their use of technology expedited efforts to contain and eliminate the Marburg Virus Disease (MVD).

Actionable advice: Translate vision into measurable results. Establish clear objectives, build accountability systems, and regularly assess your progress. Commitment to execution transforms ambition into impact.

As I packed my bags to leave Kigali, I felt a surge of hope. The summit had not only showcased Africa’s potential but demonstrated the continent’s collective will to realise it. From the drumbeats that welcomed us to the resolutions that followed, every moment was a reminder that Africa’s story is still being written — and we all have a part to play.

Enroute to the airport, I passed a group of children playing, their laughter carried by the wind. They were the reason we had gathered. Their futures depend on the actions we take today.

And as I boarded my flight home, I carried with me not just memories of an extraordinary summit but a renewed commitment to action. After all, the drums of Africa don’t just call us to dance; they call us to act.

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