WHX Forum Tackles Out-of-Pocket Spending Pressures In Expanding $11bn Medical Market

The World Health Expo (WHX) in Lagos, from June 2-4, 2026, is set to host a forum addressing out-of-pocket spending pressures in West Africa’s healthcare sector. Over 70 per cent of spending in the region is out-of-pocket, amid projections for Africa’s medical supplies market to grow from US$6.5 billion in 2025 to US$11.18 billion by 2031 at a 10.4 per cent CAGR.

A 2026 WHX report, ‘Building Resilient Healthcare Supply Chains in West Africa,’ highlighted localisation efforts, including Afreximbank’s US$75 million facility for devices, vaccines, and biologics.

Nigeria targets 70 per cent local medicine output by 2030, up from 30 per cent in 2024, while AfCFTA enables distribution hubs in Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire.

West Africa’s IVD market stood at US$0.988 billion in 2025, projected to reach US$1.388 billion by 2034 at four per cent CAGR. Pharmaceutical imports, with Nigeria’s 60 per cent regional share, are expected to hit US$6.5 billion by 2030, straining infrastructure.

Portfolio director for Healthcare at Informa Markets, Tom Coleman, explained that the forum turns challenges into opportunities by enabling leaders to secure framework agreements with vetted suppliers, leverage AfCFTA and incentives like Nigeria’s duty waivers, and build crisis-resilient systems.

CEO of ABC Health, Dr Mories Atoki, described the forum as a gathering for healthcare leaders, investors, and suppliers to drive hospital expansion across Nigeria and the region, covering prioritised tools for care, facility strengthening, partnership models, and sustainable financing.