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Medic West Africa Sets Stage for Brighter Future of Healthcare in West Africa
Medic West Africa, the largest gathering of healthcare professionals in the region, recently concluded a successful three-day run at the Landmark Center in Lagos, Nigeria.
Featuring over 3,600 attendees and 161 exhibitors from 32 countries, Medic West Africa drew together regional healthcare professionals, policymakers, and service providers who are committed to knowledge-sharing, networking, and business partnerships to improve West African healthcare infrastructure.
The event was well-attended by key stakeholders including Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas, Special Adviser to the President on Health; Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, Minister of Health (2010 – 2014); Prof. Akin Abayomi, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Lagos State, Dr Tomi Coker, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Lagos State; and Dr Success Prosper-Ohayagha, Honourable Commissioner of Health, Imo State amongst other players in the healthcare industry.
Speaking during the Healthcare Leadership Conference themed “Igniting Change: Mobilising Healthcare in West Africa for a Sustainable Future”, Dr Salma Ibrahim Anas, Honourable Special Adviser to the President on Health, spoke on the need for stronger partnerships between the public and private sectors.
She said, “I want to sincerely congratulate the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria once more and Medic West Africa for putting together this conference at this time. We look forward to the outcome of the conference detailing the role of the private sector and discussing how we can work together with the government to optimize the performance of our health system.
“I can guarantee you that we have shifted the needle. We are more committed and we are more eager to see that we change the health outcomes in Nigeria for sustainable development.”
“We are very pleased with the success of Medic West Africa 2023,” said Tom Coleman, Exhibition Director. “Medic West Africa envisages a future in which healthcare in West Africa is more than a pipe dream; a reality in which excellence is the norm and every person is respected and cared for.
“As the successful decennium comes to an end, we are committed to the mission and ready to write the next chapter of an extraordinary narrative – a story of excellence, impact, and hope for a healthier and better future for West Africa.
“We are grateful to all of our sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees for making Medic West Africa 2023 such a success and look forward to welcoming everyone back in April 2024 for an even bigger and better event.”
Medic West Africa, which was co-located with Medlab West Africa, the ideal medical laboratory event which created unparalleled networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities among the medical laboratory community, is renowned for its position as the best gateway to access the West African healthcare market.
The success of Medic West Africa’s 2023 edition was a testament to the growing importance of Medic West Africa as a platform for healthcare professionals from across the region to come together and learn about the latest advances in healthcare equipment and solutions.
A number of major deals were signed during the event, including partnerships between local and international companies to bring new technologies and products to the region.
Dymind Biotechnology Co., a high-tech enterprise specialising in the R&D, manufacture, sales and service of medical devices and reagents in the field of IVD, hosted an exclusive product launch during the event showcasing their latest models covering haematology, POCT, coagulation, and veterinary products.
With a bustling agenda and strategic activities, the 2023 edition of Medic West Africa was an unmatched ideal industry platform for the collaboration of health stakeholders in achieving improved healthcare for all Nigerians.
The event was supported by Crown Healthcare, GE Healthcare, Randox, and Siemens Healthineers as platinum partners; DCL Laboratory Products, Erba Mannheim, QIAGEN, Snibe Diagnostic, and UNI-Medical as gold partners; and SEMED as a silver partner.
Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced plans to introduce Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) baggage tracking technology across domestic and international airport terminals to tackle the growing problem of delayed, misrouted and missing luggages
Michael Achimugu, director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCAA, disclosed this at a stakeholder engagement forum in Lagos.
Achimugu said the RFID-enabled system would replace the traditional barcode-based baggage tracking framework and provide airlines and passengers with real-time visibility of checked luggage from check-in to final collection.
According to him, the technology would improve baggage traceability, reduce mishandling and strengthen accountability across the baggage-handling chain.
Unlike conventional barcode systems, RFID technology allows baggage to be automatically scanned at multiple points without requiring direct line of sight, enabling real-time tracking of luggage throughout its journey.
Achimugu said issues involving short-landed, missing, lost or damaged baggage had remained among the major complaints from air travellers, alongside flight delays.
He said the introduction of RFID technology was therefore aimed at improving baggage-handling standards and restoring passenger confidence in the aviation sector.
The NCAA said the initiative also aligns with IATA Resolution 753, which requires airlines to track baggage at key points during the passenger journey.
The authority expects the technology to provide more accurate information on the location of luggage, facilitate quicker resolution of baggage-related complaints and improve the overall passenger experience.
The NCAA said the initiative would also strengthen accountability among airlines and other stakeholders involved in baggage handling at Nigerian airports.
eTranzact International Plc has called for increased adoption of digital payment solutions among micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), saying access to technology is critical to improving business efficiency, financial inclusion and growth.
The company also said it was deepening its partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to expand digital access and financial literacy among small businesses across the country.
In a statement, the Divisional Head, Merchant Services, eTranzact, Mrs. Abimbola Reis, stated this at the SMEDAN/eTranzact Town Hall Engagement in Lagos recently, themed, “Financial Literacy and Inclusion for MSMEs Leveraging on Fintech Innovation.”
Reis described MSMEs as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, noting that the sector comprises almost 40 million businesses and contributes significantly to economic growth and job creation.
However, she said many businesses continue to face challenges including limited access to finance, inefficient payment systems, weak financial reporting, cash-flow constraints and inadequate access to digital platforms.
She added that trust concerns also affect businesses’ ability to access finance, while heavy reliance on cash increases exposure to theft and makes payment reconciliation more difficult.
Representing the Director-General of SMEDAN, Prof. Yinka Fisher said the town hall was aimed at generating practical ideas and solutions that would support the growth and expansion of MSMEs.
“The essence of this engagement is to share ideas and concepts that will help MSMEs thrive and expand. Our partnership with eTranzact is about expanding the frontiers of MSMEs and ensuring they continue to grow,” he said.
Also speaking, representative of the Director-General of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dr. Praise Adedigba said businesses could no longer depend solely on hard work to remain competitive.
As the world marks International Youth Day, attention once again turns to the opportunities and challenges facing young people as they prepare for work, financial independence, and adulthood.
In Nigeria, the urgency is clear. According to UNICEF, about 7% of young people aged 15–24 possess basic ICT skills, highlighting a wider gap in the skills required to participate effectively in an increasingly digital economy.
At the same time, the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, continues to prioritize skills development, job creation, entrepreneurship and social inclusion.
For PalmPay, youth empowerment goes beyond corporate social responsibility. It is an investment in the people who will shape Nigeria’s workforce, businesses and economy.
This belief is reflected in initiatives focused on financial literacy, employability, digital skills and access to opportunities.
Through its Graduate Trainee Programme, PalmPay provides young graduates with opportunities to gain workplace experience, develop professional skills and build careers in a fast-evolving industry.
The investment also extends to financial education. Through its NYSC Financial Literacy Programme, PalmPay brings practical financial education to young Nigerians at an important transition point, helping Corps members develop better habits around saving, spending, budgeting and protecting their money.
For young women, Purple Woman provides another pathway to economic empowerment, creating opportunities for internships, learning and professional development while supporting greater female participation in the technology sector.
Speaking on the importance of youth empowerment, Chika Nwosu, Managing Director of PalmPay Nigeria, said: “Nigeria’s young population is one of its greatest assets, but unlocking its potential requires access to the right skills, knowledge and opportunities. At PalmPay, we are committed to equipping young Nigerians to learn, earn and thrive in an increasingly digital economy. We believe that investing in young people today is an investment in a stronger, more inclusive Nigeria.”
These initiatives reflect a broader belief that youth empowerment is most meaningful when young people are given the knowledge, exposure and opportunities to apply what they learn.
A graduate given workplace exposure today can become tomorrow’s business leader. A Corps member who develops sound financial habits can carry those lessons into their career and personal life. A young woman given access to professional opportunities can gain the confidence, experience, and networks to create opportunities for others.
Investing in young people is a great strategy for building a stronger, more productive, and more inclusive economy.
This International Youth Day, PalmPay reaffirms its commitment to investing in young Nigerians and contributing to a broader national ambition where the young population is not just counted, but equipped, employed, empowered, and positioned to lead.
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