The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) recently convened the inaugural meeting of the High-Level Advisory Group (HLAG) on health financing in Addis Ababa. The meeting, which was held in a closed, hybrid session, brought together experts to discuss the financing challenges facing African health systems. The HLAG's mandate is to support African governments in mobilizing sustainable, predominantly domestic financing for health. This initiative is coordinated by ECA in collaboration with partners and builds on the Tangier Declaration adopted by African ministers of finance, planning, and economic development in March 2026.
The ECA's Executive Secretary, Claver Gatete, emphasized the importance of stronger coordination between health and finance ministries, as well as the need for domestic resources, innovative financing, and private investment. Gatete highlighted that a healthy population is essential for economic growth and development, stating, "There's nothing that can be done without people. We need them to be healthy to be able to contribute." The HLAG's work is focused on addressing the sharp contraction in official development assistance for health and the debt burdens that are narrowing the fiscal space available to African governments.
The Tangier Declaration, which frames health spending as an investment in human capital and economic resilience rather than a cost to be managed, provides the foundation for the HLAG's work. The declaration was adopted by African ministers of finance, planning, and economic development in March 2026. The HLAG's mandate is to provide guidance on how African governments can mobilize domestic financing for health and reduce their reliance on aid.
The meeting of the HLAG was attended by experts from various fields, including health, finance, and economics. The participants discussed the challenges facing African health systems, including the shortage of healthcare workers, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to essential medicines. They also explored innovative financing solutions, such as social impact bonds and public-private partnerships, to support the development of health systems in Africa.
The ECA's initiative to convene the HLAG is part of a broader effort to support African governments in achieving universal health coverage. The commission is working with partners to provide technical assistance and support to countries as they develop their health financing strategies. The goal is to help African governments increase their investment in health and reduce their reliance on external aid.
The HLAG's work is also expected to contribute to the implementation of the African Union's Agenda 2063, which includes a goal of achieving universal health coverage by 2030. The advisory group's recommendations will provide guidance on how African governments can accelerate progress towards this goal and ensure that all citizens have access to quality healthcare services.
The ECA's Executive Secretary, Claver Gatete, has emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach to addressing the health financing challenges facing Africa. He has called on governments, development partners, and the private sector to work together to support the development of health systems in Africa. The HLAG's work is expected to provide a roadmap for African governments to follow as they work towards achieving universal health coverage.
Key points
- The HLAG's work is focused on supporting African governments in mobilizing sustainable, predominantly domestic financing for health.
- The Tangier Declaration provides the foundation for the HLAG's work, framing health spending as an investment in human capital and economic resilience.
- The HLAG's recommendations will provide guidance on how African governments can accelerate progress towards universal health coverage and ensure that all citizens have access to quality healthcare services.
