- US$300m medical facility, developed by Afreximbank inaugurated
- saves US$6-10bnannually on medical tourism
Africans can now heave a sigh of relieve after many years of seeking medical care abroad. The inauguration of the African Medical Centre of Excellence in Abuja marks a transformative milestone in Africa’s healthcare sector, promising to alleviate the burden of medical tourism and retain billions in healthcare spending within the continent.
For decades, a significant number of Africans have sought specialized treatment abroad, incurring exorbitant costs and straining national health systems.
With an estimated savings of $6 to $10 billion annually, the Centre’s establishment directly addresses the urgent need for advanced medical infrastructure, aiming to reduce reliance on overseas treatment and provide world-class healthcare services locally.
Equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by leading medical professionals, the facility is set to become a beacon of hope for patients requiring specialized care in Africa.
Beyond offering top-tier healthcare, the African Medical Centre of Excellence is designed to be a hub for medical research, innovation, and capacity-building, fostering expertise in critical fields such as oncology, cardiology, and neurology.
By promoting local medical advancements and reducing financial outflows, the Centre is expected to enhance the continent’s healthcare independence while attracting partnerships with global institutions.
Additionally, it seeks to strengthen regional health networks, ensuring that high-quality medical services are accessible to a broader population.
As operations commence, expectations are high that this initiative will not only revolutionize healthcare delivery but also contribute significantly to Africa’s economic and scientific growth.
The US$300 million tertiary medical facility, developed by African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in partnership with King’s College Hospital London, welcomed His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as guest of honour, represented by His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, alongside high-ranking Government and private sector officials, including the Ministers of Health, Finance, and Foreign Affairs, Nigeria Customs Services, Nigeria Immigration Services, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and Bank of Industry (BOI), among others.
The opening of AMCE Abuja comes at a critical time, as Africa seeks to strengthen its healthcare systems and reduce reliance on external providers. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of this reliance, with global supply shortages putting immense pressure on African nations.
Similarly, past responses to health crises like Ebola have reinforced the urgent need for resilient, homegrown solutions.
Decades after independence, millions of Africans continue to suffer from diseases like sickle cell and malaria, conditions that could be better managed with targeted local research and investment. Yet these illnesses often receive limited global attention or funding, leaving critical treatment gaps.
AMCE Abuja represents a bold step forward, bringing world-class care to the continent, centering African health priorities, and laying the groundwork for a healthier and more self-reliant future.
In strategic partnership with Bank of Industry (BOI), and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), AMCE reflects what’s possible when African institutions unite with shared purpose.
In an address, H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, represented by H.E. Senator Kashim Shettima, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria stressed that they were not
merely unveiling a building but rather making a bold and collective statement that Africans would no longer accept medical vulnerability as destiny.
He emphasized that the African Medical Centre of Excellence stands as a proof that Africa is ready to compete with the best in global healthcare. President Tinubu commended Afreximbank and its visionary President, Professor Benedict Oramah, and applauded the partnership with King’s College Hospital for turning this audacious dream into reality.
“This is what happens when African institutions confront African challenges with African solutions” he stressed.
According to him, over the past two years, they have taken deliberate steps to transform Nigeria’s health sector—from unlocking the healthcare value chain through the Presidential Initiative (PVAC), to expanding pharmaceutical production, regulatory systems, and diagnostic access, and securing over $2.2 billion in new investments through the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Initiative.
However, excellence must be sustained. That’s why they are investing in roads, power, and connectivity that enable great institutions to thrive.
With the largest stem cell lab in West Africa and plans for a medical school, the Centre is more than a hospital as well as a place to heal the sick, and to train the future.
Commenting on the momentous achievement, Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of both Afreximbank and AMCE, has sent a strong word of gratitude to the Federal Government of Nigeria for providing the land on which the AMCE stands.
“In 2013, I had my own close call when I became seriously ill and was evacuated to King’s College Hospital in London, where a frantic battle to save my life ensued. Being here today is a testament to the power of cutting-edge medical research, clinical knowledge, and a solid healthcare ecosystem.
President Oramah also announced the launch of the Africa Life Sciences Foundation to act as the vehicle for mobilising appropriate risk capital to drive research efforts and called on African and non-African governments, banks, high net worth individuals and corporate organisations to join the Bank in investing in the hospital, through this platform.
Chief Executive Officer of AMCE, Brian Deaver, highlighted the facility’s comprehensive approach: “Today, we don’t just open a hospital—we launch a healthcare revolution for Africa.
AMCE represents a paradigm shift in how specialised medical care is delivered on the continent. Our integrated model encompasses early diagnosis, advanced treatment, and long-term disease management, creating a seamless continuum of care that improves patient outcomes and health experiences.
He added: “Our mission extends beyond treatment to include world-class medical education, groundbreaking research, and continuous innovation. By combining international expertise with local talent development, AMCE will build sustainable healthcare capacity that serves generations to come.
AMCE’s opening signals a new era for Africa — one in which self-reliance replaces dependency, and world-class care is no longer the privilege of a few but the standard for many.
By anchoring healthcare delivery, talent development, and innovation on the continent, AMCE is not just stemming the outflow of medical dollars, but redefining Africa’s place in the global health ecosystem.
Through its clinical partnerships with King’s College Hospital, London and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, AMCE will be home to advance research, education, and medical excellence by fostering continuous knowledge exchange.
In its next phase, AMCE will expand to include a second 350-bed hospital, medical and nursing schools, a medical sciences foundation, research centres, and residential facilities. Together, this integrated ecosystem will position Nigeria as a leading hub for specialist healthcare, medical training, and clinical research on the continent”
