News

PRESIDENT BUHARI SAYS PARTNERSHIP WITH PRIVATE SECTOR WILL IMPROVE HEALTH SERVICES IN THE COUNTRY, THANKS AFREXIMBANK FOR MEDICAL CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Abuja said stronger partnership with the private sector will help in improving health facilities and access in the country, adding that a nation needs a healthy population to prosper.

Speaking at the virtual groundbreaking ceremony of African Medical Centre of Excellence, a landmark hospital project that will significantly transform the healthcare sector in West African sub-region, the President said the challenges faced in the health sector require collective will, partnership and more resources, especially in tackling brain drain.

The health project is being implemented by African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank) in partnership with the Federal Government, Kings College Hospital, London, University of Winsconsin Teaching Hospital, USA and Christies Hospital, Manchester.

“It is my pleasure to preside over the groundbreaking ceremony of the Africa Medical Center of Excellence, Abuja, Nigeria. Today represents more than just the groundbreaking ceremony for a landmark hospital project that will significantly transform the healthcare sector in West Africa.

“Today also demonstrates the commitment of the Nigerian Government and Afreximbank to the wellbeing of the African people, and the recognition that the wealth of a Nation rests squarely on the health of its population,” he said.

According to the President, in addition to providing comprehensive care across the three critical care areas, the AMCE will offer educational services to develop talent and establish itself as a world-class research centre, in partnership with global institutions such as Kings College Hospital and Christies Hospital in the United Kingdom.

“The success of the AMCE will pave the way for future investments and partnerships in the sector while raising the local standard of healthcare and providing a blueprint for quality of services required to address Nigeria’s and Africa’s healthcare and economic challenges.

“The AMCE represents a return to fundamentals, and the understanding that there is no African development agenda without able-bodied Africans to execute our vision of transformation,” he said.

President Buhari thanked the management of Afreximbank, a Pan-African multilateral trade finance institution created in 1993 under the auspices of the African Development Bank, and all the partners for their commitment to Africa, and for the action-oriented approach to resolving the challenges that the continent faces on its path to development.

President Buhari said the rising cases of non-communicable diseases in Africa are well established, adding that, “Cardiovascular ailments, cancers and haematological disorders have increasingly become matters of concern to public health cares. These ailments are now the highest contributors to non-communicable disease mortalities, representing more than 81% of all NCD deaths in West Africa.”

“The World Health Organization projects that deaths on the African continent attributable to cancer and diabetes are expected to rise over the next 10 years. The rising NCD burden coupled with inadequate medical infrastructure on the continent threatens the future of our people. Right now, many hospitals in the West African region are underfunded, underequipped, understaffed and relatively inaccessible to most patients especially from rural areas.

“Inasmuch as this represents an opportunity for investment in African healthcare, it has not necessarily translated into increased investment activity in this most pressing area that requires intervention. This problem is further exacerbated by the significant brain drain experienced by the continent. The flight of doctors and nurses to other continents has resulted in a significant gap between the required treatments for NCDs and the available treatments and care.

“The above challenges combine to create a regional health market with poor access to critical services and low perception of quality of care available,’’ the President noted.
President Buhari said the AMCE will provide world class medical services at par with the world’s best hospitals.

“The AMCE, a 500-bed specialist facility, will provide services in the areas of oncology, cardiology, and haematology and will seek to address the significant shortage of clinical care options in the West African sub-region.

“The AMCE demonstrates that Afreximbank is not only Africa’s trade finance partner, but its development partner.

“I also would like to commend the Ministers of Industry, Trade and Investment, Foreign Affairs, Federal Capital Territory and Health for their tireless support to ensuring this project comes to life. This was truly a team effort,’’ the President added.

In his remarks, the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire said all hands are on deck, with the Inter-ministerial Committee working to ensure that the project is actualized in a way that is beneficial to all parties.

The Minister said a strong emphasis will be placed on maintenance and sustainability of the AMCE.

The President of Afreximbank, Prof. Benedict Oramah said the ceremony was “one step towards self-reliance for Africa’s health care delivery,” as the project will pool world-class technology and global talents, particularly the African diaspora, to provide a full spectrum of quality medical services in oncology, haematology, cardiology, and general healthcare services.

Oramah noted that the 500-bed and estimated 300 million US dollar-AMCE was conceived to promote intra-African medical tourism and reduce the outflow of over 7 billion US dollars annually in out-bound medical tourism.

He added that the vision for AMCE was borne out of a personal experience he encountered following his recovery from a potentially life-threatening blood disorder.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.

You may also like

Business International Investments

The Ecobank Group expands its gender-financing offer to facilitate access to financing for Africa’s women entrepreneurs

post-image

 

  • Ellevate by Ecobank expands to become bigger, better and more inclusive.
  • From supporting corporate businesswomen, small and medium-sized entrepreneurs to individual entrepreneurs, and those in the informal sector.

 

To bridge the gender financing gap for Africa’s women entrepreneurs, Ecobank (www.Ecobank.com), the leading pan-African financial services group, announces significant enhancements to its multi-award-winning gender-financing solution – ‘Ellevate by Ecobank’. These improvements strengthen Ecobank’s commitment to women-owned, women-led, and women-focused businesses, while reinforcing its market competitiveness.

 

The World Bank estimates that closing the gender gap in Africa could add $2.5 trillion to the continent’s GDP by 2025, underscoring the urgency of investing in women – not just for social justice, but for a more prosperous and equitable future for all Africans. In response, Ecobank’s enhanced Ellevate programme is now more ambitious and inclusive, designed to address the diverse challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. The programme is being…

Read More
Business Culture Economy International Investments Travels Trends

Africa Tech Festival Announces Leadership Council for 2025

post-image

Africa Tech Festival (www.AfricaTechFestival.com), the continent’s leading platform for technology innovation and connectivity, is proud to announce the esteemed members of its Leadership Council for 2025. Comprising influential leaders from across Africa’s technology, business, and investment sectors, the Leadership Council will play a pivotal role in shaping the festival’s agenda, ensuring it remains at the forefront of industry trends, policy discussions, and digital transformation.

 

The Africa Tech Festival 2025 Leadership Council comprises of:

Africa Tech Festival serves as a platform for connection, collaboration, and innovation across the continent

  • Brelotte Ba, Deputy CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa, Orange​
  • Antoinette Kwofie, Chief Financial Officer, MTN Ghana
  • Bunmi Adeleye, Chief Strategy Officer, Retail Supermarkets Nigeria (Shoprite Nigeria)
  • Charles Murito, Regional Director, Government Affairs & Public Affairs, Sub-Saharan Africa, Google​
  • Dido wa Kalonji, Chief Information Officer, First National Bank – Eswatini​
  • Faith Burn, Chief Information…
Read More
Art Business Culture Economy Entertainment

Njide Ojiaku-Pollard: A Visionary Filmmaker Championing Diversity and Inclusion in Global Cinema

post-image

 

Njide Ojiaku-Pollard, the pioneering filmmaker and founder of ImageMovie Film Productions, is making waves in the global film industry with her unwavering commitment to diversity, inclusion, and authentic storytelling. Her journey from Nigeria to the international stage has not only transformed Nollywood but also redefined the boundaries of cinema, earning her recognition as a trailblazer in the field.

Born and raised in Nigeria, Njide’s passion for filmmaking was sparked during her childhood, where she found inspiration in classic films that reflected her identity, heritage, and vision for the world. Despite facing significant challenges, including financial struggles and professional setbacks, Njide’s determination never faltered. She moved to the United States, where she pursued formal education in film and media at a prestigious university, refining her craft and establishing herself as a storyteller with a unique cinematic voice.

As an independent filmmaker, Njide has carved a niche for herself by creating films that…

Read More
Announcements Business

Foxit Named in PCWorld’s Best PDF Editors 2025 – A Landmark Achievement for Digital Document Solutions

post-image

Kecam Technologies Limited, the authorized distributor of Foxit across Africa, proudly announces that Foxit has been recognized as one of PCWorld’s Best PDF Editors for 2025. This global recognition underscores Foxit’s innovation, security, and AI-driven advancements in digital document management, reaffirming its position as a trusted solution for professionals and businesses worldwide.

Redefining Document Management with Foxit

Foxit continues to set the standard in the PDF industry, providing users with:

AI-Powered Editing – Smart automation that enhances text recognition, formatting, and efficiency.
Unparalleled Security – Advanced encryption, password protection, and compliance with global data privacy regulations.
User-Centric Experience – A seamless interface designed for businesses, legal professionals, educators, and enterprises.
Scalability and Integration – Enterprise-grade solutions for workflow automation and compatibility with major business applications.

Kecam Technologies: Powering Africa’s Digital Transformation

As the authorized distributor of Foxit in Africa, Kecam Technologies plays a pivotal role in providing businesses with secure, efficient, and scalable…

Read More
Business

Nigeria Partners with UK’s Zander Corporation to Combat Desertification and Boost Agriculture

post-image

 In a move aimed at transforming agricultural practices and restoring degraded lands across Nigeria’s most vulnerable ecological zones, the Federal Government is set to enter into a strategic partnership with the United Kingdom’s Zander Corporation.

The decision was reached during a high-level meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, between Nigerian government officials and the management team of Zander Corporation, led by Lord Raymond Benedict Asquith, the 3rd Earl of Oxford and Asquith OBE, a member of the UK House of Lords.

Speaking at the meeting, the Nigerian government reaffirmed its commitment to afforestation as a core strategy in combating desertification, promoting sustainable land use, and ensuring long-term agricultural productivity. Officials emphasized the need for innovative biotechnology solutions to address the challenges of land degradation and food security in the country.

“There is a critical intersection between innovative…

Read More
Business Economy Investments Leisure

Canon Miraisha Programme Expands Collaboration With Kings & Queens Art Academy in Nigeria to Empower Youth in Bariga and Makoko

post-image

Canon Central and North Africa (www.Canon-CNA.com), the leading printing and imaging solutions provider, is pleased to announce the expansion of its inspiring collaboration with Kings and Queens Art Academy in Lagos, Nigeria, aimed at nurturing young talent. Building on the outstanding achievements of the previous year, in which 100 aspiring young students from Bariga in Lagos received training in photography and filmmaking, this year will see the initiative, under Canon’s Miraisha Programme, extend to Makoko community, one of the largest slum communities in Africa.

Embodying Canon’s corporate philosophy, “Kyosei”, which means living and working together for the common good, 120 young individuals from both communities will have the opportunity to receive photography and filmmaking training through a series of four comprehensive week-long workshops during March and April. This year’s increased participation rate, with an emphasis on gender balance, reflects Canon’s strong commitment to diversity and inclusive…

Read More
Business Culture Economy

7 Simple Ways to Get Paid on Time Without Chasing Customers

post-image

Running a business in Nigeria isn’t just about providing quality products or services; it’s also about making sure you get paid on time. Too often, business owners find themselves chasing payments, sending repeated reminders, and struggling with cash flow gaps. According to a PwC report, 48% of Nigerian SMEs experience delayed payments, which can disrupt operations, affect salaries, and slow down business growth.

But the real cost of these delays isn’t just the stress of waiting—it’s the uncertainty it creates. Businesses struggle to plan ahead, restock inventory, pay workers, or even keep the lights on. Without predictable payments, expansion is nearly impossible, and owners are left firefighting short-term financial struggles rather than focusing on growth.

If you’re tired of chasing customers for money, here are seven simple ways to ensure you get paid on time—without the stress. The seventh tip includes a newly unveiled tech tool.

1….

Read More
Business Economy Investments

Nigeria Hosts Landmark International Submarine Cable Resilience Summit in Abuja

post-image

In a historic move for the country’s digital and telecommunications landscape, Nigeria successfully hosted the inaugural International Submarine Cable Resilience Summit in Abuja last week. The summit, which focused on the protection and security of subsea cables, was organized by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC). The event gathered key stakeholders from around the world to address the pressing issue of subsea cable security, a critical component of global internet infrastructure.

Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, expressed his deep pride and appreciation for the trust placed in Nigeria to host such a significant global event. Reflecting on the summit’s importance, Dr. Tijani emphasized, “The significance of the trust placed in us to host an event of this nature is not…

Read More