On 17 September 2025, as part of this year’s K-HOSPITAL + HEALTHTECH FAIR (KHF 2025), IHF Member the Korean Hospital Association (KHA) hosted a special summit with senior health officials and hospital executives from African nations. Seven delegates from five IHF Member organizations participated, along with African ambassadors to Korea and hospital directors from Korea.

The goal of the Korea–Africa Healthcare Summit was to in foster meaningful partnerships and expand networks between regions to advance collaborative opportunities in healthcare innovation and development. As well as the summit exchanges, the IHF Member delegates received full access to KHF 2025 and also had the opportunity to tour Asan Medical Center and Myongji Hospital, where they experienced Korea’s latest healthcare technologies and hospital management practices.

The IHF Member delegates were: Dr Abimbola Bowale (Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health Service Commission, Nigeria), Dr Namwiinga Ndulo (Secretary General, Zambia Association of Private Hospitals), Dr Ebenezer Owusu-Asiamah (Board Member and Secretary, Healthcare Federation of Ghana), Mrs Jane Owusu-Asiamah (Director of Operations and Nursing, Anthon Memorial Hospital, Ghana), Dr Ayman Rakha (Regional Director of Canal and South Sinai Region, Egypt Healthcare Authority), Dr Ahmed Hammad (Director General, Strategic Department & Health Policies, Egypt Healthcare Authority), and Mr Christian Ntakirutimana (Executive Secretary, Rwanda Private Medical Facilities Association).

In his welcome speech, Dr Lee Sung-kyu, President of the Korean Hospital Association, stated:

“Korea is globally recognized for its digital healthcare and hospital management capabilities, while Africa, with its unlimited growth potential, is opening the future healthcare market. Korea and Africa must share wisdom and seek opportunities for cooperation.”

Kim Young-chae, President of the Korea–Africa Foundation, added:

“I believe Korean companies and Africa can develop a win-win partnership in the medical sector.”

The presentations and dialogue spanned many significant challenges in healthcare management in African countries, including infrastructure, funding, workforce shortages, meeting the needs of both urban and rural communities, and the burden of non-communicable diseases. The discussions also focused on areas of opportunity to overcome challenges and drive innovation, such as the large and rapidly-growing young population demographic in African countries, as well as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which enables medical products to be easily exported between African countries. Park Seung-il, President of Asan Medical Center, and Dr Lee Wang-jun, Chairman of Myongji Hospital, also noted that Korea’s National Health Insurance and medical development were made possible by leadership in cultivating people and talent. They reminded participants that Korea’s transformation from an aid-receiving to an aid-giving country happened only 15 years ago.

The organizers at KHA concluded that the value of the Summit was to further expand global cooperation among IHF members, which will continue in 2026 when Seoul plays host to the 49th IHF World Hospital Congress, and expressed hopes for expanded exchanges with African countries in the years ahead.

Reflecting on the benefits and  significance of partnership-building opportunities such as this Summit, Dr Ahmed Hammad, Director General, Strategic Department & Health Policies, Egypt Healthcare Authority said:

“As I prepare for my final flight to Cairo, I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude. To the Korean organizing team: Thank you for your exceptional support and flawless coordination. Your hard work and dedication made this experience truly unforgettable. To my colleagues from Africa: It was a great pleasure to meet and collaborate with you all. I was inspired by your passion and professionalism. I’m incredibly grateful for the connections we’ve made and the friendships we’ve formed. I look forward to the day our paths cross again.”