WHX Lagos 2026 to spotlight Nigeria’s growing healthcare market
Nigeria’s healthcare sector is witnessing steady growth, with projections indicating a 7.1 per cent expansion and a market value of $161.7 million by 2027. The growth is driven by increased
Nigeria’s healthcare sector is witnessing steady growth, with projections indicating a 7.1 per cent expansion and a market value of $161.7 million by 2027.
The growth is driven by increased investment, including a $1.2 billion commitment by the Federal Ministry of Health to infrastructure and workforce development, as well as major oncology and diagnostic projects by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority. Increased imports under the African Continental Free Trade Area have also contributed to the sector’s momentum.
Despite the progress, about 70 per cent of patients still rely on out-of-pocket payments for healthcare services, underscoring the need for greater private sector participation and innovation.
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Data from Statista shows that Nigeria leads West Africa’s medical device market, which is projected to grow from $414.8 million in 2025 to $632.48 million by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate of 8.56 per cent. Other countries, including the Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Senegal, and Ghana, are also experiencing growth driven by hospital upgrades and digital health adoption.
Efforts to improve access, affordability, and quality of care are supported by regulatory reforms, technological advancements, and an increased focus on preventive healthcare. However, the country’s rising population—projected by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development to reach 250 million by 2025—continues to strain healthcare delivery, particularly at primary and specialist levels.
Against this backdrop, the World Health Expo Lagos 2026 is expected to provide a platform for stakeholders to drive partnerships and investment. The event is scheduled to be held at the Landmark Centre from June 2 to 4, 2026, and will feature over 500 exhibitors, more than 8,000 professional visitors from 40 countries, and about 30 speakers.
Speaking ahead of the event, Njide Ndili, President of the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, said the expo would help align market access with national health priorities.
“As partners with WHX, we are excited to drive market access dialogue that aligns with national health goals and promotes regional trade. Leadership lies at the heart of healthcare transformation. The shift from care to capability is essential for the long-term success of healthcare institutions, with leadership development at its core. To truly transform healthcare in Nigeria and across Africa, these efforts must be scaled and replicated across all levels of the system—and WHX is designed to make that possible by connecting stakeholders, showcasing best-practice models, and supporting the deployment of proven solutions.”
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The three-day event will feature several forums, including the Healthcare Market Access and Policy Leadership Forum on June 2, which will focus on regulatory harmonisation and AfCFTA opportunities.
Other sessions include the Hospital Investment and Buyer Leadership Forum, organised in collaboration with ABCHealth on June 3, and the Heads of Laboratory Forum on June 4 in partnership with the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria.
Tom Coleman, Portfolio Director, Healthcare at Informa Markets, said the event would help accelerate healthcare growth in the region.
“WHX is more than a dialogue platform—it is where policy ambition translates into impactful collaboration, accelerating West Africa’s emergence as a healthcare leader under the AfCFTA. With Nigeria’s population approaching 250 million and dynamic neighbouring markets such as Ghana, WHX is positioned at the epicentre for investors and visionaries to drive transformative growth in healthcare infrastructure, technology, and services across the region.”
The expo will showcase innovations across medical devices, diagnostics, healthcare services, digital health, and infrastructure, alongside new features such as a Lab Zone, networking lounge, and business matchmaking sessions.
Organisers said the event remains part of a broader WHX portfolio spanning Johannesburg, Nairobi, and Lagos, aimed at connecting global healthcare players with regional markets.
Healthcare professionals, investors, and suppliers have been encouraged to participate in the event as Nigeria’s healthcare sector continues to evolve.
