Innovation, technology adoption key to strengthening Africa’s healthcare financing – experts

Experts at the Evidence for Development (Evi4Dev) Conference have called for African nations to adopt innovative financing, integrate emerging technologies, and improve efficiency in their health systems to achieve resilient and equitable healthcare.

Speaking on the second day of the conference, leaders in health and economic policy said African governments must shift from fragmented and donor-dependent systems toward domestic resource mobilisation, community-led solutions, and digital innovation.

Dr. Daniel Mwai, Presidential Advisor on Health Financing in Kenya, said disjointed services and vertical health programmes continue to undermine healthcare delivery across the continent.

“We can cut the cost of healthcare in Africa by 40% if we reorganise and plan well in its delivery,” he said, urging a shift towards preventive rather than curative care and a more integrated health workforce.

Representing subnational leadership, Roseline Omollo, County Executive Committee Member from Homa Bay County, outlined grassroots efforts to cut costs and improve health outcomes.

“In Homa Bay County, we are reducing costs and increasing coverage by adapting local solutions that resonate with our communities,” she said, highlighting initiatives to boost enrollment in the Social Health Authority (SHA) through citizen engagement.

Dr. Jackson Otieno, a Senior Policy Analyst at the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP), warned of mounting fiscal challenges, including climate change, shrinking foreign aid, and rising debt.

He noted that in 2020, Development Assistance for Health (DAH) made up over 20% of health spending in 24 African countries, surpassing government health expenditure in 10 of them.

“African countries should transition from donor dependency to domestic resource mobilisation,” he said, suggesting health taxes, anti-corruption measures, and expanded health insurance coverage.

Prof. Victor Murinde, Executive Director of the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), echoed the call for digital transformation.

“The adoption of AI, big data, and machine learning is key in identifying best practices and reducing inefficiencies,” he said, noting that technology can help identify savings and streamline operations.

Kwame Owino, CEO of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA-Kenya), underscored the need for fiscal responsibility and prioritising high-impact public goods.

“Citizens across East Africa are reaching their limits – the protests last year in Kenya were a clear sign,” he said.

 “Governments must spend conservatively and reduce wastage through corruption.”

The panellists agreed that stronger stakeholder engagement, strategic investments in technology, and homegrown policy solutions will be essential to secure sustainable healthcare systems in Africa. They urged governments to prioritise bold reforms and partnerships, especially as fiscal pressures continue to mount.

The Evi4Dev Conference is co-convened by AUDA-NEPAD, AFIDEP, and the SFA Foundation, alongside other science, data, and innovation institutions across Africa and globally.