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Nigeria’s healthcare sector is witnessing renewed investment momentum, with projections indicating sustained growth and expanding opportunities for private sector participation, as the World Health Expo (WHX) prepares to return to Lagos next month.
Industry data forecasts that Nigeria’s healthcare market will grow by 7.1 percent, reaching an estimated value of $161.7 million by 2027. This expansion is being driven by a combination of public and private sector initiatives, including a $1.2 billion investment by the Federal Ministry of Health aimed at strengthening infrastructure and workforce capacity.
Additional impetus is coming from the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority through increased investments in oncology and diagnostic services, alongside improved trade flows facilitated by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Despite these gains, significant challenges persist. Analysts note that nearly 70 percent of healthcare expenses in Nigeria are still paid out-of-pocket, highlighting gaps in affordability and insurance coverage, while also pointing to opportunities for innovation and investment.
Further data from statistics shows that Nigeria continues to dominate West Africa’s medical device market, which is projected to grow from $414.8 million in 2025 to $632.48 million by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.56 percent. Other countries in the region, including Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Senegal and Ghana, are also experiencing notable growth, driven by hospital modernisation and digital health expansion.
Experts say Nigeria’s rapidly growing population, projected to reach 250 million, is placing increasing pressure on healthcare systems, particularly in primary and specialist care. However, ongoing reforms and policy support are creating new opportunities for stakeholders across the value chain.It is against this backdrop that the World Health Expo (WHX), described as West Africa’s leading healthcare business-to-business platform, will be held at the Landmark Centre, Lagos, from June 2 to 4, 2026.
The event is expected to attract more than 500 exhibitors, over 8,000 professional participants and delegates from more than 40 countries. It will also feature over 30 speakers and a series of leadership forums focused on policy, investment and diagnostics.
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President of the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, Njide Ndili, emphasised the importance of collaboration in driving sectoral growth, noting that platforms like WHX help align market access discussions with national health priorities and regional trade goals.
According to her, strengthening leadership capacity and scaling best practices across healthcare systems remain critical to achieving long-term transformation.
Also speaking, Tom Coleman, Portfolio Director for Healthcare at Informa Markets, described WHX as a catalyst for turning policy ambitions into tangible partnerships.
He said the event would serve as a strategic hub for investors, innovators and healthcare providers seeking to expand across West Africa, particularly within the framework of AfCFTA.
This year’s edition will feature specialised forums, including discussions on market access and policy, hospital investment and procurement and advancements in laboratory science. New additions such as a dedicated Lab Zone, live demonstrations and structured networking sessions are expected to enhance business engagement and knowledge exchange.
Organisers said the expo would bring together stakeholders across multiple segments, including medical devices, diagnostics, healthcare infrastructure, digital health solutions and wellness services.
With Nigeria positioned as a key driver of healthcare growth in West Africa, industry watchers believe events like WHX would play a pivotal role in accelerating investment, strengthening partnerships and improving access to quality healthcare services across the region.
