President of the Ghana Association of Chinese Societies, Tang Hong, has called for deeper medical and healthcare cooperation between China and West Africa, with a focus on technology transfer, local manufacturing and the deployment of artificial intelligence to address the region’s healthcare challenges.
Mr Tang made the call at the opening of the third China-West Africa Medical and Health Industry Expo and AI Deployment and Project Cooperation Summit in Accra on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
The three-day event, being held at the Ghana International Mall on Spintex Road from August 19 to 21, is organised by the Health Community of West Africa Association (HCOWAA) as part of its annual Summit and Expo.
Tang Hong Calls for Deeper Cooperation
Mr Tang said stronger cooperation between Chinese medical innovators and West African healthcare institutions could help develop practical solutions to some of the continent’s most pressing health challenges.
He identified Chinese medicine, medical technology and artificial intelligence as areas where closer collaboration could improve healthcare delivery and expand access to affordable medical services.
“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,” Mr Tang said.
“We need to join hands with Chinese medicine, medical technology and Medical AI to address the real health challenges facing West Africa.”
He argued that cooperation should move beyond the importation of medical products and equipment towards building domestic capacity to manufacture, diagnose and develop healthcare solutions within Africa.
According to him, strengthening local health industries would not only improve access to healthcare but also reduce dependence on imported medical products and create opportunities for skills and technology transfer.
“The provision of healthcare diagnosis locally by building industries that address health problems is more critical today than ever before,” he said.“We must produce here, we must innovate here, and we must heal our people here.”
Push for Local Medical Manufacturing
Mr Tang said the China-West Africa partnership presents an opportunity to attract investment into local medical manufacturing while facilitating the transfer of technology and expertise to African health systems.
He said cooperation could particularly support the production of medical devices and the introduction of affordable technologies designed around the healthcare needs of African countries.
The growing application of artificial intelligence in diagnostics, patient management, disease surveillance and other areas of healthcare, he added, also creates new opportunities for collaboration.
Mr Tang expressed appreciation to Chinese medical entrepreneurs who travelled to Ghana to participate in the Expo, describing their presence as a demonstration of growing confidence in Africa’s healthcare market.
“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.
He also acknowledged delegations from Togo, Sierra Leone and other West African countries, saying their participation reflected the regional character of the initiative.
According to him, platforms such as the Expo could further strengthen Ghana-China relations while broadening cooperation between China and the West African sub-region.
Ministry of Health Support
Mr Tang also commended Ghana’s Ministry of Health for supporting the initiative since its inception in 2023.
He said the Ministry’s involvement had contributed significantly to the growth of the Expo into a platform for medical cooperation, investment and knowledge exchange.
“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,” he said.
Artificial intelligence deployment and project cooperation feature prominently in this year’s programme, against the backdrop of growing interest in AI-assisted diagnostics, digital health and telemedicine.
More Than 300 Exhibitors
Over the three-day event, participants will explore products and technologies across six major areas: laboratory equipment, medical devices, healthcare technology, pharmaceuticals, herbal and Ayurveda products, and dental care.
The summit will also feature discussions on local pharmaceutical manufacturing, the application of AI in medical diagnostics and investment opportunities within West Africa’s healthcare sector.
Regulatory, investment and trade institutions supporting the event include the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), WATMCEC and the HCOWAA Medical and Academic Exchange Committee.
Their involvement is expected to bring greater attention to regulatory compliance, product standards, investment and quality assurance as stakeholders seek to develop a stronger health industry value chain between China and West Africa.
With thousands of medical professionals, investors, policymakers and exhibitors participating, organisers expect the third edition of the Expo to facilitate new partnerships and investment discussions aimed at improving healthcare delivery across the sub-region.
The opening ceremony brought together Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Health, Prof. Grace Ayensu Dankwah, medical professionals, policymakers, investors, regulators and exhibitors from West Africa, China and other parts of the world.
The Expo is described as a strategic platform for strengthening China-West Africa health cooperation, developing industrial partnerships and accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in healthcare.
Organisers say more than 300 exhibitors are participating in the event, showcasing medical equipment, diagnostic technologies, pharmaceuticals and emerging AI-powered healthcare solutions.
The event is also expected to attract more than 5,000 medical practitioners from 16 West African countries, alongside participants from more than 20 countries globally. The summit concludes on Friday, August 21, 2026.
