The China-West Africa Medical & Health Industry Expo and AI Diagnosis & Project Cooperation Summit has kicked off in Accra, bringing together top healthcare innovators, AI experts, and industry stakeholders from West Africa and China.
This three-day event, taking place from August 20th to 22nd at the Grand Arena, Accra International Conference Centre (AICC), is hosted by HCOWA Association and is known as the HCOWA Medical Expo.
The primary objective is to address healthcare challenges, promote medical collaboration, and support Ghana’s aspiration to be a medical hub in West Africa.
The Expo has attracted over 100 Chinese exhibitors, 500+ hospitals and clinics, and more than 1,500 merchants, with an anticipated 20,000 attendees.
Participants will have the opportunity to explore the latest AI-driven diagnostic tools, cutting-edge medical imaging technologies, and innovative medical equipment, as well as engage in networking for potential partnerships.
During his keynote speech, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah reiterated the government’s commitment to backing the initiative, emphasizing healthcare as a key focus of President John Dramani Mahama’s development agenda.
Mr. Debrah stated, “Government support for HCOWA’s objectives is unwavering. We acknowledge the leadership’s efforts in introducing state-of-the-art technology into healthcare delivery.”
He added, “Our vision is to ensure Ghana and West Africa stay ahead. The president has emphasized the importance of citizens’ healthcare, and this partnership allows us to harness global knowledge and expertise.”
The Expo aligns with the government’s strategy to position Ghana as a medical hub in the region, leveraging innovation to enhance doctor-to-patient ratios and improve access to specialized care.
Vice President of the HCOWA Association, Prince Opoku Dogdey, highlighted the transformative potential of the expo, stating, “This is more than an exhibition; it is a healthcare bridge between West Africa and China.”
He continued, “We are introducing AI in diagnostics, medical imaging, and supply chain management to address the critical shortage in doctor-to-patient ratio. These technologies will complement our healthcare facilities, support medical professionals, and enhance efficiency.”
Mr. Dogdey revealed plans for deeper industrial collaboration, including the establishment of factories in Ghana for pharmaceuticals, reagents, and medical equipment manufacturing.
“Approximately 300 Chinese manufacturers are set to establish operations in Ghana. This will create employment opportunities, spur industrial growth, and reduce reliance on imports,” Dogdey explained.
The Expo serves as a strategic platform for knowledge sharing and project collaboration, enabling West African healthcare institutions to access China’s advanced medical technologies and offering Chinese companies avenues for long-term investments in the region.
Exhibitors will showcase AI diagnostic platforms, advanced surgical tools, hospital management systems, and next-generation medical imaging equipment. Summit sessions will also focus on policy frameworks, public-private partnerships, and investment prospects in the medical sector.
Health experts believe that the HCOWA Medical Expo could be a pivotal moment for Ghana’s healthcare sector, particularly as the country grapples with infrastructure deficiencies, limited local pharmaceutical production, and overstretched hospitals.
By fostering partnerships among governments, the private sector, and international collaborators, the expo is poised to unlock opportunities for expanding local medical supplies production, strengthening healthcare services, and accelerating the adoption of AI-driven diagnostic solutions in Ghana and West Africa.
As the event progresses, attention will be on how government and private stakeholders capitalize on the momentum to establish sustainable healthcare partnerships that deliver tangible benefits to patients.
