WHX projects $161.7m growth for Nigeria healthcare market by 2027

Nigeria’s healthcare sector is witnessing sustained growth, with projections indicating a 7.1 per cent expansion rate and an estimated market value of $161.7m by 2027.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the organisers of the World Health Expo Lagos 2026, Informa Markets, recent public and private sector investments are helping to strengthen infrastructure, workforce capacity and specialised care delivery across the country.

The statement noted that the Federal Ministry of Health has committed about $1.2bn to improving healthcare infrastructure and manpower, while the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority is supporting oncology and diagnostic initiatives aimed at improving access to specialised services.

Despite the progress, the organisers observed that structural gaps remain, with about 70 per cent of healthcare spending still financed out-of-pocket, underscoring the need for increased private sector participation and innovation.

Data from Statista shows that Nigeria accounts for the largest share of West Africa’s medical device market, projected to grow from $414.8m in 2025 to $632.48m by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 8.56 per cent.

Other countries in the region, including Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Senegal and Ghana, are also experiencing steady growth driven by hospital upgrades, expansion in digital diagnostics and gradual progress toward universal health coverage.

Experts note that Nigeria’s growing population, projected by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development to reach about 250 million, continues to increase demand for both primary and specialised healthcare services.

Against this backdrop, stakeholders have identified the World Health Expo Lagos 2026 as a platform to stimulate investment and deepen collaboration across the sector.

President of the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, Njide Ndili, said the expo would support improved market access and regional trade in line with national healthcare priorities.

“Leadership lies at the heart of healthcare transformation. The shift from care to capability is essential for long-term success, and these efforts must be scaled across all levels of the system,” she said.

Ndili added that the platform would connect key stakeholders, promote best practices and encourage practical solutions that can be implemented across the healthcare system.

The three-day programme will feature several leadership forums, including the Healthcare Market Access and Policy Forum on June 2, which will address regulatory alignment and opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The Hospital Investment and Buyer Forum, scheduled for June 3 in collaboration with ABCHealth, will focus on financing structures and procurement strategies for healthcare providers and investors.

On June 4, the Heads of Laboratory Forum, organised in partnership with the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, will examine priorities for strengthening diagnostic capacity across West Africa.

Portfolio Director, Healthcare at Informa Markets, Tom Coleman, said the expo would support collaboration among stakeholders across the healthcare value chain.

“WHX is where policy ambition becomes impactful collaboration, accelerating West Africa’s emergence as a healthcare leader under AfCFTA,” he said.

Coleman noted that Nigeria’s population size and expanding regional markets position the country as a strategic hub for healthcare investment, spanning infrastructure, technology and service delivery.

The exhibition will cover key segments including medical devices, diagnostics, healthcare services, infrastructure, wellness, laboratory services and digital health.

Organisers added that the platform, which also holds in Johannesburg and Nairobi, connects global healthcare brands with regional distributors and investors, helping to strengthen Africa’s healthcare ecosystem.

Healthcare professionals, suppliers and investors are expected to use the Lagos event to explore partnerships and opportunities within Africa’s evolving healthcare market.

The event is scheduled to be held in June at the Landmark Centre, Lagos, and is expected to attract over 500 exhibitors, more than 8,000 healthcare professionals from over 40 countries, and about 30 speakers.