Japanese investor doubles down on the African healthcare market

• Main Author: Maritz, Jaco
• Other Authors: Nanyang Business School
• Format: Newsletter
• Language: English
• Published: 2023
• Subjects: Business::Finance::Investments; Science::Medicine; Africa; Healthcare; Asia; Investment
• Online Access: https://www.ntu.edu.sg/cas/news-events/news/details/japanese-investor-doubles-down-on-the-african-healthcare-market; https://hdl.handle.net/10356/166344
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Africa's healthcare system lags other regions, according to a 2022 World Health Organisation study. While the continent is home to 14.4% of the world’s population, it accounts for only 1% of global health spending. While many challenges remain, the continent has undoubtedly made progress in terms of healthcare over the past two decades. as evidenced by the fact that life expectancy at birth grew from 52.7 years in 2000, to 64.5 in 2019. Advancements have also been made in combating tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, malaria and neglected tropical diseases, although these remain issues. The private sector is increasingly investing in healthcare facilities, including hospitals and diagnostic centres, serving not just the wealthy but also the middle class. Numerous healthtech start-ups have also emerged, offering innovative solutions such as telemedicine, patient booking systems, and more efficient and transparent medical supply chains. Susumu Tsubaki, CEO of AAIC Investment, foresees Africa's healthcare sector expanding in response to increasing insurance coverage, directionally similar to the significant growth of Japan's medical industry after the introduction of universal health insurance in 1961.