Why MedTech? The Potential for MedTech in Africa

Innovation, challenges, and untapped potential characterise Africa's emerging MedTech industry. As the continent navigates its unique healthcare landscape, the promise of medical technology stands as one of the avenues for effectively addressing pressing healthcare needs. From diagnostics to assistive technology, the MedTech sector in Africa has the potential for significant growth and impact. So why is the creation and manufacturing of MedTech increasingly vital for the African continent?

The Growing Importance of MedTech in Africa

Several factors underscore the growing importance of MedTech in Africa. Demographic shifts, including rapid population growth and an increasing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) necessitate innovative healthcare solutions. While NCDs pose a significant health challenge, communicable diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS continue to affect communities across the continent. Therefore, MedTech is crucial as it addresses both the pressing demands of a growing population and the dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, paving the way for innovative and effective healthcare solutions.

Initiatives aimed at achieving universal healthcare by 2030 would be greatly supported by the adoption of medical technologies. Health ministries need to leverage technology to enhance healthcare systems, improve procurement processes, and strengthen information systems. Additionally, rising health awareness, expanding middle-class incomes, and increasing healthcare spending are fuelling demand for both treatment and preventative measures, driving the need for growth in the MedTech sector.

The Importance of Africans Creating Solutions for Africa 

It is essential for Africa to invent and manufacture its own MedTech because solutions designed elsewhere often fail to address the unique challenges and contexts specific to the continent. Africa faces distinct healthcare issues, which require tailored approaches. Furthermore, when MedTech is imported, the necessary supplies, expertise, and infrastructure for maintenance and repairs are often lacking, leading to equipment being discarded prematurely when it breaks down. 

By developing and producing MedTech locally, Africa can ensure that the solutions are contextually relevant and sustainable, with readily available support and resources to maintain and repair equipment, ultimately fostering a more resilient healthcare system.

One shining example of this is Photokabada, a Ugandan company that has created a hybrid, remotely monitored phototherapy machine that is able to monitor and treat multiple babies with jaundice simultaneously. Their intervention is not only effectively treating jaundice in infants, but also addressing the problem of overcrowding and lack of space in hospitals, as well as the unreliable power supply that many hospitals and health facilities across the continent face. The inventors understand the context they are working in and therefore are able to provide solutions that work in the setting they are designed for. 

Impact and Market Potential

Innovation in MedTech has the potential to catalyse economic growth by improving healthcare outcomes and productivity. The sector's growth has the potential to create job opportunities in research, development, manufacturing, sales, and service provision. Furthermore, the expansion of the MedTech industry would stimulate ancillary sectors such as healthcare, logistics, and clinical research, contributing to broader economic development. Along with the economic impact, this would add to the talent growth in the health sector as well as the ancillary industries.

Streamlined home grown manufacturing capacity in Africa also improves the likelihood of achieving universal healthcare (UHC), which is a primary goal in the African Union’s Africa Health Strategy (2016-2030). Additionally, a standardisation of guidelines and policies governing MedTech production, supply management and procurement, market distribution and trading across Africa is in alignment with the African Union’s agenda to increase intra-African trade and cooperation. 

While the global MedTech market is substantial, Africa's share remains incredibly small. However, the continent's MedTech industry is projected to grow at a faster rate than the global average, outpacing it by a significant margin. By 2025, Africa's MedTech market is forecasted to reach USD 9.8 billion, representing a notable increase from its current valuation.

---

In conclusion, MedTech holds immense promise for addressing Africa's evolving healthcare challenges. By leveraging innovation, fostering collaboration, and overcoming barriers to adoption, the continent can harness the full potential of medical technology to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes. As stakeholders continue to invest in the development and deployment of MedTech solutions, Africa is poised to embark on a transformative journey towards accessible, affordable, and equitable healthcare for all.