AfDB Calls For Investments In Health Infrastructure From Private Sector

November 15, 2021
AfDB

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has called for investments in health infrastructure from the private sector, development finance institutions and diaspora groups.

Akinwumi Adesina, President of AfDB, made call at the 22nd ordinary session of the assembly of ECOWAS health ministers over the weekend.

Adesina was represented by Beth Dunford, vice-president for agriculture, human and social development at the AfDB.

Join our WhatsApp Channel

The AfDB president disclosed that the investment in healthcare by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) would meet the needs of the populace.

He, however, called for investments in health infrastructure from the private sector, development finance institutions and diaspora groups.

According to him, “The portfolio will include investment projects, results-based financing, risk-sharing instruments to leverage private sector resources, debt and equity investments in private companies and promotion of innovative sources of finance, such as diaspora funds.

“Filling the financing gap for health infrastructure will require mobilising finances from the private sector, development finance institutions and diaspora groups.

“Across Africa, only 10 to 20 per cent of investment in health service delivery infrastructure is mobilised by the private sector, due largely to high levels of investment risk.

“The limited coverage of health insurance and the dominance of out-of-pocket expenditure in health financing also make it more difficult for investors to secure a financial return.

“As a result, private sector investments in health infrastructure have been concentrated in brownfield investment to expand existing hospitals.”

Adesina said there is potential for mobilising funding from diaspora communities and associations, either directly or through instruments such as diaspora bonds.

“Since the late 1980s, India has used fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to stimulate diaspora investment in health services and nine of the top 15 hospitals in India have been set up through such investments.

“We draw on our core expertise in infrastructure development and working with other development partners in support of national health system, strengthening plans and in support of enhancing African health system resilience.

“Input from ministers in the bank’s 54 regional member countries, development partners and civil society is expected to strengthen the bank’s strategy for quality health infrastructure in Africa.”

Adesina said COVID-19 is not fully out of the way but a focus on health systems and infrastructure for inclusive economic growth is crucial.

+ posts

Featured Stories

Latest from Business

Black Market, Official Window FX Rates Gap Widens By N100

The gap between the black market and the official window widened to N100.88 kobo on Monday, February 16, from N49.58 kobo on Friday, February 13. In the black market on Monday, the foreign exchange (FX) rate for the United States dollar (USD) increased

BUA Group Signs Strategic Partnership with UAE Firms

BUA Group has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UAE-based AD Ports Group and MAIR Group in Abu Dhabi, in a deal aimed at strengthening industrial development, trade, and logistics between West Africa, the Gulf, and Asia. The agreement follows
Temi Popoola, the Chief Executive Officer of the NGX
Previous Story

Capital Market Achieving Financial Inclusion For Nigerians – NGX CEO

ASUU strike looming
Next Story

ASUU Issues Three-Week Ultimatum For FG To Implement Agreement

Don't Miss

My Goals For Eagles On The Way, Declares Victor Boniface

Still basking in the euphoria of his 60th minute goal
NIPOST

NIPOST Pledges Commitment To Growth Of Digital Economy

The Nigerian Postal Services (NIPOST) has reaffirmed its commitment to