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Round Table between BMZ, GHA – German Health Alliance, and the German-African Business Association @Frontlite Media

On the sidelines of the World Health Summit Regional Meeting in Nairobi, BMZ, GHA – German Health Alliance, and the German-African Business Association convened a high-level dialogue on the future of health cooperation in Africa. Representatives from governments, international organizations, and the African and European health sectors discussed how partnerships, investments, and local production can contribute to stronger and more resilient health systems. The event highlighted the healthcare industry’s growing role as a strategic partner in implementing BMZ’s reform agenda and fostering sustainable development.

On April 27, 2026, a High-Level Round Table took place on the sidelines of the World Health Summit Regional Meeting in Nairobi, organized by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), GHA – German Health Alliance, and the German-African Business Association (Afrikaverein der deutschen Wirtschaft). The event brought together high-level representatives from politics, international organizations, and the African and European health sectors, underscoring BMZ’s strategic reorientation toward greater private-sector involvement in development cooperation. The focus was on the health sector as a key industry.

In her opening remarks, Birgit Pickel, BMZ Director General for Sustainable Development and Climate, outlined the reform of development cooperation and BMZ’s strategic priorities in health—such as promoting regional production of health products and implementing the action plan “Partnerschaften für eine erfolgreiche Wirtschaft weltweit” (Partnerships for a Successful Global Economy).

Companies presented partnerships and projects aimed at strengthening health systems in partner countries. These included initiatives to support the production of next-generation mosquito nets in Tanzania, train biomedical engineers in Ghana, Kenya and Senegal, improve maternal and child health services in Kenya, expand contraceptive production in Nigeria, and manufacture a child-friendly medication for schistosomiasis in Kenya.

During discussions with companies and representatives of the African Union, the EU, AfricaCDC, the German Embassy, and the German Bundestag, participants explored the opportunities and challenges involved in building sustainable health systems in Africa, with a particular focus on the role of German Development Cooperation in improving framework conditions such as regulatory harmonization, market access, and regional value creation. The goal is to facilitate cooperation between European and African companies and to translate policy guidelines into concrete results such as new partnerships, investments, and projects.

Building on the previous day’s discussions, Federal Minister Reem Alabali Radovan invited representatives of the healthcare industry to a luncheon. The meeting provided an opportunity to deepen the exchange on key outcomes and reaffirm the healthcare industry’s role as an important partner in implementing the BMZ reform agenda.

Silvia Huber
June 2026