African Union (AU) Commissioner for Health, Ambassador Amma Twum-Amoah, has urged African countries to significantly increase domestic financing for their health systems. She stated that sustainable healthcare on the continent requires governments to take greater responsibility for funding the sector. This approach aims to reduce heavy reliance on foreign assistance, which she described as increasingly unpredictable.
Ambassador Twum-Amoah made these remarks at the African Union Extraordinary Health Summit in Accra on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. She acknowledged the importance of international partnerships but stressed that external support should only complement national investment. The Commissioner highlighted that Africa cannot build sustainable health systems on declining and unpredictable external aid. This call reflects a growing continental push for self-sufficiency in critical sectors.
This push for domestic financing aligns with Ghana's broader economic strategy to reduce reliance on external debt and aid. The nation has recently focused on improving domestic revenue mobilization to fund its development agenda. Ghana's health sector, like many across Africa, has historically depended on donor funding for various programs and infrastructure. Strengthening local financial commitment would provide greater stability and control over health policy and implementation.
“We must transform health financing. Africa cannot build sustainable health systems on unpredictable and declining external assistance,” Ambassador Twum-Amoah stated. She called on African governments to strengthen domestic resource mobilization. She also urged them to ensure healthcare remains a key priority in national budgets. This includes safeguarding health sector allocations and improving public fund management.
The implications of this call are significant for national budgeting and resource allocation across the continent. African nations are expected to review their budgetary commitments to the health sector. Decision-makers will need to identify new revenue streams and improve efficiency in health spending. This shift could lead to increased investment in primary healthcare, preventive measures, and local health workforce development. Markets will watch for how governments respond to these recommendations, particularly regarding budget reallocations and potential new health-related taxes or levies.
Ambassador Twum-Amoah further renewed calls for African nations to honor the Abuja Declaration. This declaration recommends allocating at least 15% of their national budgets to the health sector. She noted that increasing funding alone is not enough. Governments must also ensure resources are used efficiently to improve health outcomes. This means prioritizing prevention, primary healthcare, health workers, essential medicines, and services for the most vulnerable populations.
Investing in preventive healthcare is crucial for tackling the continent’s persistent health challenges. Strengthening the frontline health workforce and improving access to essential medicines are also vital. These measures will contribute to building stronger, more resilient health systems across Africa. The focus on efficient spending aims to maximize the impact of every GHS spent on public health.