Africa's life sciences and healthcare (LSH) industry is experiencing a surge in growth, driven by a unique blend of factors.

These include a rising demand for quality care, investment and innovation, as well as the rise of telehealth and digital solutions which allows patients to connect with doctors virtually, while mobile health apps empower individuals to manage their health.

Furthermore, the African healthcare market is projected to be worth $259 billion by 2030, with Africa presenting 14% of health and well-being business opportunities.

As mentioned, healthcare especially has shown incredible promise, with innovation in the medical device sector. The African device market is expected to reach around $7.1 billion in revenue by 2023.

An example is South Africa, which is a primary hub for the medical device industry in Sub-Saharan Africa, with several opportunities for local manufacturing as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. The South Africa Development Community (SADC) free trade area ensures tariff-free exports for South Africa, while the African Continental Free Trade Area presents opportunities for the manufacturing and distribution of medical devices.

The pharmaceutical industry is also experiencing growth, with companies such as the OCP Group launching their largest-ever fertiliser relief programme in 2022, contributing 550,000 tons of phosphate-based fertiliser to help African farmers.

There is also significant potential for growth in skills development and training, with a need for increased investment in education and training programmes.

The future of Africa's LSH industry remains promising, and with continued investment, innovation, and a focus on local production, the continent is poised for significant growth.

This burgeoning industry has the potential to not only improve the health and well-being of millions of Africans but also create jobs, drive economic development, and position Africa as a major player in the global healthcare arena.