New industry projections show that the region’s in vitro diagnostics (IVD) market is expected to rise from approximately US$0.988 billion in 2025 to US$1.388 billion by 2034, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4%. Across Africa, the wider medical supplies market is forecast to expand even faster, climbing from US$6.5 billion in 2025 to US$11.18 billion by 2031 at a CAGR of 10.4%.
The rapid market growth, however, is exposing deep structural weaknesses in West Africa’s healthcare ecosystem. Heavy dependence on imported medical equipment and diagnostics — estimated at between 85% and 99% — continues to create prolonged delays in hospitals and laboratories, with facilities often waiting between two and four weeks for critical supplies and replacement parts.
At the same time, foreign exchange shortages across several African economies are increasing procurement costs and creating pricing uncertainty for healthcare providers already struggling with operational pressures. Analysts say the burden is worsened by the region’s high out-of-pocket healthcare spending, which accounts for more than 70% of medical expenses in many markets.
Nigeria remains central to the region’s pharmaceutical trade, accounting for roughly 60% of West Africa’s pharmaceutical imports. By 2030, pharmaceutical imports in the region are projected to hit US$6.5 billion, placing additional pressure on logistics systems, cold-chain infrastructure, and warehousing capacity.
Industry stakeholders say these challenges are forcing procurement leaders to rethink traditional purchasing models. Rather than focusing solely on the lowest-cost bids, hospitals and laboratories are increasingly shifting toward service-driven procurement strategies that prioritise reliability, faster delivery timelines, and long-term resilience.
Regional suppliers are already proving competitive, with reports indicating they can deliver products 30–40% faster than some international supply chains.
These emerging trends are expected to dominate conversations at the Hospital Investment & Buyer Leadership Forum, scheduled for June 3 as part of the 2026 World Health Expo (WHX) Lagos taking place from June 2–4 at the Landmark Centre.
The forum, organised in collaboration with ABCHealth, will convene healthcare executives, procurement leaders, investors, and suppliers under the theme: “Advancing hospital growth and innovation: Investment, strategic partnerships, and technology adoption in West Africa.”
Participants are expected to discuss strategies around crisis-resistant healthcare supply chains, regional manufacturing, procurement reforms, and digital transformation initiatives shaping the future of healthcare delivery in Africa.
“The Hospital Investment & Buyer Leadership Forum at WHX turns these challenges into opportunities,” said Tom Coleman.
“Leaders can secure framework agreements with vetted suppliers, tap AfCFTA and policy incentives like Nigeria’s duty waivers, and build crisis-resilient systems,” he added.
According to the 2026 WHX report titled Building Resilient Healthcare Supply Chains in West Africa, localisation efforts are gradually reshaping the region’s healthcare manufacturing landscape.
The report noted that a US$75 million facility backed by Afreximbank is helping accelerate the local production of vaccines, biologics, and medical devices. Nigeria is also targeting a significant increase in domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing, with plans to grow local medicine production from 30% in 2024 to 70% by 2030.
Regional trade reforms under the African Continental Free Trade Area are also supporting the establishment of distribution hubs in Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire, enabling stronger collaboration between global manufacturers and regional suppliers.
Healthcare experts believe pooled procurement systems and digital supply-chain technologies will play a major role in improving efficiency and transparency across the sector.
Initiatives such as the 2025 African Pooled Procurement Mechanism for diagnostics and personal protective equipment by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention are already helping reduce unit costs and improve product availability.
Digital innovations are also emerging as game changers. Platforms such as LifeBank’s AI-powered Nerve Marketplace, supplier tracking systems introduced in Kano State, Ghana’s electronic procurement platforms, and National Single Window systems are collectively reducing logistics costs by as much as 25–30%, while helping hospitals minimise stock-outs and improve operational visibility.
“The Hospital Investment & Buyer Leadership Forum at WHX is a pivotal gathering for healthcare leaders, investors, and suppliers to drive hospital expansion across Nigeria and the region,” said Dr. Mories Atoki.
“This forum creates unmatched opportunities to forge connections that accelerate service expansion and technology adoption amid West Africa’s healthcare transformation.”
Organisers say the 2026 edition of WHX Lagos will feature more than 500 exhibitors, over 8,000 professional visitors, and 30 global speakers across multiple healthcare forums and exhibitions.
Key sectors represented will include diagnostics, medical imaging, healthcare infrastructure, laboratory technologies, medical devices, IT solutions, wellness products, orthopaedics, physiotherapy, and healthcare services.
Among the event’s new additions are an integrated Lab Zone for live demonstrations of diagnostic technologies and consumables, as well as dedicated networking spaces designed to facilitate business matchmaking, partnerships, and investment discussions.
WHX currently operates healthcare exhibitions across Johannesburg, Nairobi, and Lagos, positioning itself as a major platform connecting international healthcare brands with African distributors and investors.
More information about the event is available via World Health Expo Lagos