Experts at Evi4Dev conference advocate for tech-driven, cost-efficient healthcare solutions in Africa

The Evidence for Development (Evi4Dev)/Data Conference entered its second day in Nairobi, where delegates highlighted the urgent need for Africa to embrace innovative financing mechanisms, integrate technology, and drive efficiency in health systems to build resilient and equitable healthcare for all.

While addressing the delegates, Dr. Daniel Mwai, Presidential Advisor on Health Financing in Kenya, pointed to the fragmentation of services and vertical health programs as key barriers to efficient health financing.

He stated that Africa is well-placed to cut healthcare costs by 40% if experts plan its delivery well, further calling for the integration of multi-skilled healthcare workers. He also urged countries to focus on preventive healthcare rather than curative healthcare.

Representing subnational leadership, Roseline Omollo, County Executive Committee Member from Homa Bay County, shared practical strategies the county is using to reduce delivery costs and improve health outcomes at the grassroots level. These include a community-led approach to healthcare, engaging citizens to take responsibility, and boosting enrollment in the Social Health Authority (SHA).

“When we talk about medical insurance, the question is always about efficiency and effectiveness,” Ms. Omollo said. “In Homa Bay County, we are reducing costs and increasing coverage by adapting local solutions that resonate with our communities.”

Dr. Jackson Otieno, Senior Policy Analyst at the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP), painted a sobering picture of Africa’s fiscal landscape. He highlighted multiple challenges, such as climate change, shrinking external aid, growing debt burdens, and global economic uncertainty. Otieno noted that in 2020, Development Assistance for Health (DAH) accounted for more than 20% of health spending in 24 African countries and even surpassed government expenditure in 10 countries.

“African countries should transition from donor dependency to domestic resource mobilization,” Dr. Otieno said, proposing innovative options such as health taxes and robust anti-corruption measures that could unlock 5–10% in savings.

He also highlighted the need for expanding health insurance coverage, integrating technologies like AI to minimize waste, and strengthening financial oversight.

“There is a need to unlock the potential of new technology,” Prof. Murinde, Executive Director of the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), said.

The adoption of AI, big data, and machine learning also emerged as key to identifying best practices and reducing inefficiencies.

Kwame Owino, CEO of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA-Kenya), emphasized the need for fiscal discipline and efficient resource utilization in Africa's healthcare systems. He highlighted that citizens across East Africa are reaching their limits, and that the June 2024 Gen Z protests in Kenya were a clear sign.

“We must get the most from the taxes by prioritizing high-impact public goods and reducing wastage through corruption. Governments must spend conservatively in areas with the greatest public demand,” he added.

The scientists called for homegrown solutions, stronger stakeholder engagement, and strategic investments in health-focused technology and financing models. As countries face pressure to deliver quality healthcare amid shrinking budgets, they agreed that bold reforms, partnerships, and innovation should take center stage.

The three-day Evi4Dev conference is co-convened through a strategic partnership between AUDA-NEPAD, AFIDEP, and the SFA Foundation, along with leading institutions in the science, data, research, and innovations space in Africa and beyond.