The fifth Africa HealthTech Summit opens in Kigali on September 30, bringing together health leaders, policymakers, innovators and investors to discuss intelligent and people-centred health systems.
Summit opens in Kigali
The fifth edition of the Africa HealthTech Summit (AHTS) officially opens today, September 30, at the Kigali Convention Centre, bringing together stakeholders from across Africa’s health and technology sectors.
The three-day summit runs from September 30 to October 2, 2026, under the theme “Wellness for All: Powered by Intelligent Health Systems.”
The organisers say this year’s edition marks five years of the summit’s work bringing together policymakers, healthcare leaders, innovators, investors and technology experts to discuss the future of healthcare on the continent.
Focus shifts towards intelligent health systems
The 2026 edition places greater emphasis on how digital technologies can be integrated into health systems rather than developed as isolated solutions.
According to the summit organisers, discussions will cover prevention, primary healthcare, digital public infrastructure, access to healthcare, data, artificial intelligence, interoperability, health financing and workforce development.
The summit’s programme describes Africa’s health systems as facing growing pressure from chronic diseases, unequal access to care, rising costs and workforce shortages. Participants are expected to examine how technology can support more connected and people-centred healthcare.
Opening programme
The first day began with an opening performance before the official opening ceremony at 9 a.m. The ceremony is being led by the Gates Foundation, Africa CDC and Rwanda’s Ministry of Health.
An opening plenary is then focusing on “Wellness for All: Powered by Intelligent Health Systems.”
The programme includes plenary sessions, technical discussions, roundtables, workshops and other activities addressing different aspects of health technology and healthcare delivery.
African and international health leaders expected
The summit brings together representatives from governments, health institutions, technology companies, investors and development organisations.
Among the leaders listed by the organisers are Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya, Rwanda’s Minister of Health Dr Sabin Nsanzimana, and Angola’s Minister of Health Dr Sílvia Paula Valentim Lutucuta.
The summit also features discussions involving organisations such as Africa CDC, Smart Africa and the Rwanda Ministry of Health.
Three days of discussions in Kigali
The programme runs through Friday, October 2, with sessions examining how African countries can develop health systems capable of using digital technologies and artificial intelligence at scale.
The organisers describe the 2026 edition as a shift from a focus primarily on digital health innovation towards the broader question of building intelligent, integrated and people-centred health systems.
The Africa HealthTech Summit is being held at the Kigali Convention Centre and runs until October 2.
Sources: Africa HealthTech Summit