Accra this morning opened its doors to one of the biggest health collaborations on the continent, as the 2026 China-West Africa Medical and Health Industry Expo and AI Deployment and Project Cooperation Summit officially launched at the Ghana International Mall, Spintex.
The three-day summit, which runs from 19th to 21st August 2026, is being organized by the Health Community of West Africa Association (HCOWAA) as part of its annual Summit and Expo. This year’s event marks the 3rd Edition of the China-West Africa Medical and Health Industry Expo.
Gracing the special opening ceremony was Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Health, Prof. Grace Ayensu Dankwah, alongside high-level dignitaries, medical practitioners, investors and exhibitors from across West Africa and China.
The Expo has brought together over 300 exhibitors from China and across the globe, showcasing cutting-edge innovations in medical and health technology, from diagnostic tools to AI-powered healthcare systems.
More than 5,000 medical practitioners from 16 West African countries and over 20 international countries are participating in this year’s event, making it one of the most diverse health gatherings in the sub-region.
But the spotlight at the opening ceremony was the call by the President of the Ghana Association of Chinese Societies, Mr. Tang Hong, for deeper and stronger collaboration between Chinese medical innovators and West African health systems.
Addressing participants, Mr. Tang Hong urged West African medical partners to intensify efforts in joining forces with Chinese medicine and medical prospects, as well as Medical AI, to help address the health needs of West Africans and Africa as a whole.
“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. We need to join hands with Chinese medicine, medical technology and Medical AI to address the real health challenges facing West Africa,” Mr. Tang Hong stated.
He emphasized that the time has come for West Africa to focus on building immediate local industries that can diagnose and address health problems on the continent.
“The provision of healthcare diagnosis locally by building immediate industries that address health problems is more critical today than ever before. We must produce here, we must innovate here, and we must heal our people here,” he stressed.
According to Mr. Tang Hong, the China-West Africa partnership offers a unique opportunity for technology transfer, local manufacturing of medical devices, and the deployment of affordable healthcare solutions tailored to African needs.
Mr. Tang particularly expressed appreciation to the Chinese medical entrepreneurs who travelled to Ghana for the Expo, describing their presence as a demonstration of commitment to Africa’s health future.
He said the Medical Expo has reignited more deeper Ghana China and West Africa China relationship.
“I want to thank all our Chinese medical entrepreneurs participating in this 2026 West Africa Medical and Health Industry Expo. You have shown that you believe in Africa’s potential and you are ready to invest in its health,” he said.
Mr. Tang Hong also acknowledged participants from across the sub-region, including delegations from Togo, Sierra Leone, and other West African countries, for their strong turnout and shared vision.
He further extended gratitude to Ghana’s Ministry of Health for its consistent support since the inception of the Expo in 2023, noting that the Ministry’s backing has been key to the growth of the event.
“Since 2023, the Ministry of Health has stood with us. Their guidance and support have helped us grow from an idea to what we are seeing today – a continental platform for health cooperation,” Mr. Tang Hong noted.
Opening the event, organizers described the Expo as a strategic platform to bridge China-West Africa health cooperation, drive industrial partnerships, and accelerate the deployment of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare delivery.
This year’s theme focuses heavily on AI Deployment and Project Cooperation, reflecting the growing role of digital health, AI diagnostics, and telemedicine in transforming healthcare systems in West Africa.
Participants will over the next three days explore expected exhibits covering six major areas including Laboratory Equipment, Medical Devices, Healthcare Technology, Pharmaceuticals, Herbal & Ayurveda, and Dental Care.
The summit will also host high-level panels on local pharmaceutical production, AI in diagnostics, and investment opportunities in West Africa’s health sector.
The event is supported by key regulatory and trade institutions including the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), WATMCEC, and the HCOWAA Medical and Academic Exchange Committee.
The presence of these regulatory bodies underscores the importance of quality assurance, standards, and investment security in building a resilient China-West Africa health value chain.
With thousands of visitors expected at the Ghana International Mall over the next three days, it is clear that this year’s edition will generate major investment deals and set the tone for deeper, practical cooperation that will improve access to affordable and quality healthcare for millions across West Africa.
