Africa has made significant progress in healthcare over the past decades, improving immunization coverage, reducing maternal and child mortality, and tackling diseases like COVID-19, Mpox, Marburg, and Ebola. However, healthcare challenges persist. Inequities in access to quality care disproportionately affect women, children, and rural populations, while frequent outbreaks strain already fragile health systems.
One major barrier is healthcare financing. Many African nations allocate less than 5% of their GDP to healthcare—far below the 15% target set by the Abuja Declaration. Chronic underfunding not only limits progress but also forces reliance on international aid, raising concerns about sustainability, particularly in responding to emerging health crises. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed these vulnerabilities, with vaccine shortages highlighting Africa’s dependence on external support.
To break this cycle, Africa needs sustainable, innovative healthcare investments. Strengthening infrastructure, training healthcare professionals, and supporting local solutions are no longer optional—they are essential. Equitable healthcare is not just a moral obligation but a strategic investment. Healthy populations drive economic growth, improve education outcomes, and contribute to resilient societies.
At the European Investment Bank (EIB), global health is a top priority. The Bank is playing a key role in bridging Africa’s healthcare funding gap. As the EU’s financial arm, the EIB mobilizes resources and expertise to support resilient health systems, with a strong focus on Primary Health Care. By linking funding with global partners and fostering innovation, the EIB promotes sustainable investments across the continent.
The EIB’s impact is tangible. Investments in hospital construction, clinic refurbishment, and healthcare workforce training have improved access to quality care in underserved regions. The Bank also facilitates efficient vaccine distribution and the adoption of advanced medical technologies.
A prime example is the Health Impact Investment Platform (HIIP), developed in partnership with World Health Organisation (WHO) and other Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs). HIIP aims to strengthen primary healthcare in low-and-middle income countries in Africa. In Ethiopia, where one of the HIIP projects is most advanced, the WHO is already providing technical assistance to further enhance the country’s primary healthcare systems and accelerate progress toward universal health coverage.
Another key initiative is the EIB’s EUR 750 million Accelerating Human Development (HDX) program under the European Commission’s Global Gateway. HDX strengthens biopharmaceutical supply chains, boosts pharmaceutical manufacturing, and advances research and development in Africa. Supported by the Gates Foundation and the European Commission, HDX complements the Team Europe initiative on Manufacturing and Access to Vaccine Medicines and Health Technology (MAV+), which collaborates with African partners to develop local pharmaceutical production.
Despite these achievements, more work is needed. Expanding partnerships with African governments, development agencies, and the private sector is crucial to scaling up investments and ensuring lasting improvements in healthcare.
Policymakers, businesses, and communities must come together to prioritize healthcare funding. The time to act is now—building resilient, equitable, and self-sufficient healthcare systems is essential for Africa’s future.
Thomas Östros is the Vice President of the European Investment Bank with oversight of the Eastern Africa region as well as health – related financing.
