The 2026 China-West Africa Medical and Health Industry Expo and AI Deployment and Project Cooperation Summit has opened, bringing together health professionals, investors, medical technology companies and policymakers from Ghana, other West African countries, China and beyond.
The three-day event, which runs from August 19-21 at the Ghana International Mall, Spintex, is being held as part of the annual Summit and Expo of the Health Community of West Africa Association (HCOWAA).
The third edition of the China-West Africa Medical and Health Industry Expo is focusing on strengthening cooperation in health care, promoting technology transfer and expanding the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare delivery across the sub-region.
More than 300 exhibitors are participating in the event, while over 5,000 medical practitioners from 16 West African countries and more than 20 countries worldwide are expected to take part in the exhibition and related activities.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Deputy Minister of Health, Professor Grace Ayensu-Danquah, President of the Ghana Association of Chinese Societies, Tang Hong, medical practitioners, investors, exhibitors and other stakeholders in the health sector.
The event is supported by the Food and Drugs Authority, Ghana Standards Authority, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, WATMCEC and the HCOWAA Medical and Academic Exchange Committee.
Their participation is aimed at strengthening discussions on regulatory standards, quality assurance and investment in the health sector.
The event is expected to provide opportunities for business partnerships, technology exchange and investment in health care between Ghana, other West African countries and China.
Stronger cooperation
Speaking at the opening last Wednesday, Mr Hong called for stronger collaboration between Chinese medical innovators and West African health systems to address the continent’s healthcare needs through medical technology, Chinese medicine and artificial intelligence.
He said greater cooperation could support the development of healthcare solutions suited to local conditions and improve access to diagnosis and treatment.
“Healthcare is not a luxury; it is the foundation of development. Africa and China must work together to build solutions that work for our people,” he said.
Mr Tang also called for the development of local industries capable of diagnosing and addressing health challenges within Africa.
He said the China-West Africa partnership could facilitate technology transfer, local manufacturing of medical devices and the introduction of affordable healthcare solutions designed for African markets.
He expressed appreciation to Chinese medical entrepreneurs who travelled to Ghana to participate in the expo, saying their participation demonstrated their commitment to investing in Africa’s health sector.
He also praised the delegations from Togo, Sierra Leone and other West African countries and their participation in efforts to strengthen regional health cooperation.
Mr Tang commended the Ministry of Health for its support for the expo since its establishment in 2023.
