Sustainable health financing has emerged as one of Africa’s most pressing priorities, particularly as the continent strives to reduce its dependence on external aid and build resilient healthcare systems. At a global forum on Africa’s development in Yokohama, Japan, the urgency of rethinking financing approaches for the health sector was underlined, with strong calls for innovative, country-owned models that align with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the African Health Strategy 2016–2030.
Africa’s health sector continues to face significant challenges, with external donors accounting for a large share of funding for essential programs. This over-reliance on aid not only threatens long-term sustainability but also exposes countries to vulnerabilities when donor priorities shift. To address these challenges, a shift toward greater domestic investment and resource mobilization is seen as critical.
Reforms currently underway in Kenya offer an illustrative example of the way forward. Built on three pillars domestic resource mobilization, universal health coverage, and public–private partnerships the model emphasizes both innovation and accountability. Mobilizing domestic resources ensures that governments take ownership of their healthcare agendas, while partnerships with private players open new channels of financing, technology transfer, and service delivery. Universal health coverage serves as the overarching goal, ensuring access to essential services without pushing citizens into poverty.
Key proposals also include the establishment of Africa–Japan health financing accelerators, leveraging Japan’s vast experience in universal health coverage. Such partnerships could help African countries explore new financing instruments, strengthen health insurance schemes, and build institutional capacity to manage funds more efficiently.
Sustainable health financing, however, is not only about raising more money but also about spending smarter. Efficiency, transparency, and accountability remain vital for ensuring that resources reach those who need them most. Regional solidarity, where countries pool resources and expertise, also presents a promising path toward resilience and shared progress.
Beyond policy frameworks and declarations, what Africa requires is bold, coordinated action. Sustainable health financing is both a moral and political imperative central to the continent’s health security, economic growth, and prosperity. Investing in health is investing in Africa’s future, and the time to act decisively is now.
