Yemisi Izuora
Nigeria’s healthcare sector is undergoing rapid transformation, with forecasts predicting a 7.1 per cent expansion and an anticipated market value of US$161.7 million by 2027.
This growth is fuelled by a US$1.2 billion Federal Ministry investment in infrastructure and workforce, major oncology and diagnostic expansions by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, and increased imports under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Despite progress, 70 per cent of patients continue to pay out-of-pocket, underscoring substantial opportunities for private sector innovation and investment.
Statista data shows Nigeria leads West Africa’s medical device sector, with the market projected to surge from US$414.8 million in 2025 to US$632.48 million by 2030 (8.56% CAGR).
High-growth peers Ivory Coast (9.24% CAGR), Cameroon (9.3% CAGR), Senegal (8.21% CAGR), and Ghana (6.6% CAGR) are also experiencing hospital modernisation, digital diagnostics expansion, and progress toward universal health coverage.
Nigeria is building more accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare systems through strategic investment, technology, regulatory reform, and an emphasis on preventive care.
However, It is important to recognise that Nigeria’s large and youthful population, projected by the Organisation for Economic Co‑operation and Development to reach 250 million by 2025, has widened gaps in both primary and specialist care.
At the same time, the government’s encouragement of investment has opened opportunities for growth at every level of healthcare service provision.
For healthcare professionals and business leaders, World Health Expo (WHX) in Lagos is West Africa’s premier B2B platform for turning market potential into partnerships and impact,reports Africa.com.
Returning to the Landmark Centre from 2 – 4 June 2026, WHX unites more than 500 exhibitors, over 8,000 professional visitors from more than 40 countries and 30 speakers to discover new insights and explore emerging trends, network with top healthcare innovators, source new business opportunities and accelerate professional growth.
“As partners with WHX, we are excited to drive market access dialogue that aligns with national health goals and promotes regional trade,” notes Njide Ndili, President, Healthcare Federation of Nigeria. “Leadership lies at the heart of healthcare transformation.
The shift from care to capability is key to the long-term success of healthcare institutions, with leadership development at its core.
But to truly transform healthcare in Nigeria and across Africa, these efforts need to be scaled and replicated across all levels of the system and WHX is designed to make that possible by connecting stakeholders, surfacing best‑practice models, and supporting the practical deployment of proven solutions.”
This year’s three-day agenda positions WHX as a dynamic trade-focused platform with concise, partner-led Leadership Forums.
The Healthcare Market Access & Policy Leadership Forum on 2 June, in partnership with the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, spotlights market access and policy leadership through keynotes, panels, and Q&A sessions on regulatory harmonisation and AfCFTA opportunities under the theme “Enabling Market-Ready Health Systems: The Role of Diagnostics, Digital Infrastructure, and Human Capital”.
The Hospital Investment & Buyer Leadership Forum, held in collaboration with ABCHealth on 3 June, highlights investment and strategic partnerships for hospitals and buyers, covering financing and procurement.
Meanwhile, the Heads of Laboratory Forum on 4 June, held in partnership with the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, serves as a dedicated platform for lab leaders and decision-makers to address key priorities in advancing diagnostics across West African region.
“WHX is more than dialogue: it is where policy ambition becomes impactful collaboration, accelerating West Africa’s emergence as a healthcare leader under the African Continental Free Trade Area,” said Tom Coleman, Portfolio Director – Healthcare, Informa Markets. “With Nigeria’s young population approaching 250 million and dynamic neighbouring markets like Ghana, WHX stands at the epicentre for investors and visionaries to drive transformative growth in infrastructure, technology, and healthcare services in West Africa.”
This landmark event brings together top exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge medical solutions, alongside world-renowned speakers who share insights that matter, creating opportunities for market expansion and strategic partnerships. Sectors represented at the exhibition include medical devices and equipment, disposables and consumer goods, orthopaedics & physiotherapy, imaging & diagnostics, healthcare & general services, healthcare infrastructure, wellness & prevention, laboratory as well as IT & solutions.
New features at WHX include an integrated Lab Zone, showcasing diagnostics, equipment, and consumables with live demonstrations, a networking lounge for business connections, as well as hands-on workshops, expert insights and buyer matchmaking to drive commercial outcomes.
The WHX portfolio includes three key healthcare events in Africa, held in Johannesburg, Nairobi, and Lagos.
These events form a unified platform that connects global brands with regional distributors.
Healthcare professionals, suppliers, and investors are encouraged to register to attend WHX in Lagos, apply to exhibit, and explore its rich learning and networking opportunities as part of Africa’s healthcare future.