Duale calls for increased health investment at Africa Health Business Symposium 2026

Nairobi, Kenya - 22 April 2026 - Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, today presided over the official opening of the 10th Africa Health Business Symposium 2026 in Nairobi, calling for renewed focus on health financing and investment across the continent.

The two-day conference, held under the theme “Health as an Investment: Powering Impact, Sustainability and Economic Growth in Africa,” is co-hosted by Africa Health Business in partnership with the Ministry of Health Kenya. It has brought together leaders from government, private sector, development partners and civil society to advance solutions, catalyse investment and strengthen public-private partnerships in health.

In his remarks, the Cabinet Secretary called for stronger domestic resource mobilisation, enhanced accountability, increased investment in digital health technologies, and reduced reliance on external support amid tightening global financing.

He outlined four key priorities driving Universal Health Coverage: sustainable health financing through the Social Health Authority (SHA), which has onboarded over 30.5 million Kenyans; strengthening primary healthcare and community systems; advancing local manufacturing; and accelerating digital transformation to support delivery of the Taifa Care Model.

The Cabinet Secretary noted that ongoing reforms are opening up investment opportunities across the health sector, positioning Kenya as a regional hub for health innovation and investment.

The session was attended by Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Adekunle Salako; Chairman of Africa Health Business and Founder of the East Africa Healthcare Federation, Dr Amit Thakker; WHO Country Director, Dr Neema Kimambo; Managing Director of Africa Health Business, Marloes Kibacha; and Director of Programme Management at the WHO Regional Office for Africa, Dr Abdourahmane Diallo, among other stakeholders.