The 12th edition of the Rebranding Africa Forum (RAF) will take place in Brussels on October 23-24, 2026. This year's theme, "Healthcare Systems in Africa: Innovate to Heal, Heal to Develop," aims to bring together policymakers, experts, investors, and private sector actors to discuss ways to build more autonomous, innovative, and resilient African healthcare systems. The forum seeks to address the continent's healthcare challenges and explore opportunities for growth and development.
One of the main challenges identified is the production of pharmaceuticals. Many African countries rely heavily on importing medicines and vaccines, posing a strategic question: how can the continent strengthen its production capacity? The RAF will explore conditions favorable to the emergence of regional pharmaceutical hubs, promoting African production to contribute to the continent's health security and reduce vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions.
The forum will also focus on combining modern medicine, scientifically validated traditional practices, and digital technologies to find solutions adapted to African realities. The use of artificial intelligence, telemedicine, and digital tools will be discussed as means to improve access to healthcare, particularly in areas with limited infrastructure and resources. The goal is to make healthcare systems more efficient and effective.
The role of digital revolution in healthcare will be a key topic of discussion. The forum will examine how technologies like artificial intelligence, telemedicine, and digital tools can improve healthcare access and efficiency. With the involvement of high-profile speakers, including Dr. Jean Kaseya from Africa CDC and Dr. George Donkor from the BIDC, the discussions are expected to be insightful and productive.
Financing will be another crucial aspect of the discussions, with a focus on public-private investment and the mobilization of development banks. The forum will feature conferences, panel discussions, workshops, and B2B meetings, aiming to turn discussions into concrete opportunities. The participation of investors and project leaders is expected to facilitate the creation of partnerships and deals.
The RAF 2026 will also explore the potential of healthcare as a sector for production, innovation, investment, and value creation in Africa. By focusing on healthcare systems, the forum aims to broaden the debate on how to improve healthcare and create economic opportunities. The discussions will center on policies, investments, and mechanisms to accelerate the transformation of African healthcare systems.
The 12th Rebranding Africa Forum represents a significant opportunity for Africa to reflect on its healthcare challenges and opportunities. The event will bring together experts and stakeholders to discuss ways to build stronger, more resilient healthcare systems, ultimately contributing to the continent's development and sovereignty. The forum's outcomes are expected to have a lasting impact on Africa's healthcare landscape.
Key points
- The 12th Rebranding Africa Forum will focus on building stronger healthcare systems in Africa.
- The forum will discuss ways to promote African production of pharmaceuticals and improve access to healthcare.
- The event will bring together policymakers, experts, investors, and private sector actors to explore opportunities for growth and development in Africa's healthcare sector.
