INSIGHTS: Leaders Driving Digital Transformation of African Health Systems

Learnings from Leaders Driving Digital Transformation of African Health Systems

African health systems are not just recipients of technological interventions; they are fertile grounds for innovation, driven by local expertise and leadership. This central theme drove the 31st edition of the Insights Webinar. The discussion that focused on Leaders Driving Digital Transformation of African Health Systems emphasized the need to institutionalize digital transformation and consistently elevate stories of African leaders driving change through technology, rather than solely focusing on the challenges within the health sector. 

Panelists underscored the urgent need to address the fragmented nature of African health systems and the systemic barriers hindering effective healthcare delivery. More than just identifying problems, the focus shifted to implementing concrete digital measures that foster improved health outcomes. 

Also who are drawn from across Africa and other parts of the world emphasized that accelerating action requires providing African institutions with access to appropriate technologies. This, according to them, will foster digital leadership, and empower local stakeholders in decision-making processes, alongside embedding user-centered and context-aware digital health practices into their systems.

Despite the existing infrastructural limitations and digital divides, panelists stressed that true digital health equity demands strategic policy frameworks, regulatory adaptations, and systemic reforms tailored to the African context. A continent-wide, collaborative approach is essential. 

As one panelist noted, for too long, discussions around health innovation in Africa have been dominated by external actors, this must change. A multi-faceted, systemic approach, driven by African leadership, is critical, and the time for decisive action is now.

Governments play a pivotal role in shaping policies and legal frameworks that enable digital transformation, particularly in ensuring effective implementation and domestication of digital health strategies. While initial steps have been taken, greater public and private sector collaboration is needed to foster an enabling environment. Panelists called for strong policy advocacy to ensure these policies translate into tangible improvements in healthcare access and quality.

Additionally, panelists recommended capacity building initiatives focused on digital health expertise and the showcasing of successful African digital health leadership models. Highlighting the achievements of African innovators and institutions can serve as a powerful catalyst for changing the narrative and accelerating digital transformation across all aspects of the continent’s health systems.

Panelists:

Dr. Jennifer Batamuliza – Head of Data Driven Incubation at the Africa Center of Excellence in Data Science

Abdulhamid Yahaya – Deputy Director of Global Health Informatics at eHealth Africa

Megan Kill – Senior Manager, Implementation and Capacity Building at Bao Systems 

Dr. Niyi Osamiluyi – CEO of Premier Health Consult and converner of the Africa Digital Health Summit

Moderator:

Tijesu Ojumu – Communications Coordinator