The 4th West Africa Pharma and Healthcare Exhibition, a significant event for the region’s healthcare sector, commenced on May 6, 2025, at the Accra International Conference Centre in Ghana. Hosting over 150 exhibitors from across the globe, including India, Turkey, the United States, Egypt, Italy, and the host nation, Ghana, the exhibition served as a dynamic platform for fostering collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange within the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. Organized collaboratively by the Ghanaian Ministries of Health and Trade and Industry, along with Astrovision Global FZCO Dubai and ACE Group, the three-day event underscored the growing importance of technology in transforming healthcare delivery and access across West Africa. The overarching theme of “E-Pharmacy & Digital Health” reflected the event’s focus on leveraging digital advancements to address healthcare challenges and drive progress within the region.
The exhibition’s opening ceremony featured addresses from key dignitaries, highlighting the critical role of the event in advancing the healthcare landscape. Honorable Sampson Ahi, Deputy Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, emphasized the significance of the exhibition as a catalyst for knowledge sharing, business partnerships, and policy dialogue. He underscored the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that bolster local pharmaceutical production, reduce reliance on imports, and enhance the competitiveness of Ghanaian companies in the global market. This commitment translates into targeted policies, including the development of industrial parks, tax incentives, improved access to finance, and strategic business regulatory reforms, all aimed at fostering a thriving healthcare sector within Ghana.
Furthermore, the event emphasized the crucial role of digital platforms in enhancing healthcare service delivery, improving access to essential medicines, and addressing existing disparities in healthcare provision. Recognizing the transformative potential of technology in the global healthcare landscape, Hon. Ahi stressed the importance of Ghana embracing these advancements to avoid being left behind in this crucial evolution. The integration of digital solutions is viewed as a key strategy for achieving greater efficiency, accessibility, and equity within the healthcare system.
His Excellency Mr. Manish Gupta, India’s High Commissioner to Ghana, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of regional integration and cooperation, particularly under the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He encouraged participants to explore opportunities for developing regional supply chains and strengthening trade relationships, emphasizing the potential for mutual benefit through collaboration. Mr. Gupta specifically pointed to the expansion of digital infrastructure, support for e-commerce innovations, and the adaptation of regulatory systems to accommodate responsible digital healthcare solutions as vital areas for collaboration between Ghana and India. He urged entrepreneurs and developers to capitalize on the growing demand for digital health solutions and the unique networking opportunities presented by the exhibition.
Mr. Praveen Singh, the Project Director of the exhibition, articulated the event’s broader vision, describing it as more than just a trade fair. He portrayed it as a shared commitment to building a healthier and more connected Africa through equitable partnerships and the open exchange of knowledge. He highlighted the longstanding friendship between India and Ghana, founded on shared democratic values, mutual respect, and expanding trade relations, as a strong foundation for collaborative efforts in healthcare. Mr. Singh cited the significant trade volume between the two nations, reaching approximately USD 2.87 billion in 2023-2024, with a substantial portion comprising pharmaceutical and medical products, solidifying India’s role as a crucial partner in providing affordable healthcare solutions.
The exhibition, therefore, served as a testament to the growing momentum towards leveraging technology and international partnerships to advance healthcare in West Africa. The convergence of stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, including government officials, industry leaders, and international partners, provided fertile ground for exploring innovative solutions, forging strategic alliances, and shaping policies that will contribute to a more robust and equitable healthcare ecosystem in the region. The focus on digital health, coupled with the emphasis on regional cooperation and local capacity building, positions the West Africa Pharma and Healthcare Exhibition as a pivotal event in shaping the future of healthcare access and delivery in the region. The event underscored the shared commitment to harnessing innovation and collaboration to achieve a healthier and more interconnected Africa, with Ghana playing a central role in this transformative journey.
