In a transformative move for the continent’s healthcare sector, the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) has been unveiled in Abuja, Nigeria — an ambitious project led by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in strategic partnership with King’s College Hospital, London.
Described as a “first-of-its-kind” facility in West Africa, the AMCE is not only a significant investment in Nigeria’s health infrastructure, but also a bold signal of Africa’s growing commitment to retaining world-class medical care within the continent. Designed to provide advanced care in oncology, cardiology, haematology, and general medicine, the centre is poised to drastically reduce the volume of medical tourism currently draining billions from African economies.
Located in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, the AMCE boasts cutting-edge diagnostic technology, internationally trained professionals, and research-based treatment protocols aligned with global best practices. The project aligns with Afreximbank’s broader goal of promoting intra-African development and reducing the continent’s reliance on foreign medical systems.
Speaking at the commissioning event, President of Afreximbank, Prof. Benedict Oramah, described the centre as “a bold vision turned into reality,” noting that it is expected to serve over 50,000 patients annually, including complex cases that would otherwise have required travel to Europe, India, or the Middle East.
“We are building a healthcare institution that will offer not only high-quality treatment but also research, innovation, and specialist training. It is about sovereignty in health. Africans deserve to be treated at home with dignity,” Oramah said.
Representatives from King’s College Hospital, one of the UK’s most respected medical institutions, emphasized the collaboration as a blueprint for future public-private health partnerships in Africa. The UK-based hospital will offer technical support, clinical training, and quality assurance to maintain international standards.
The Nigerian government has lauded the project, with the Minister of Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, saying it is a “game-changer” that aligns with the administration’s focus on reversing brain drain and improving access to specialist healthcare within Nigeria.
Beyond treatment, the AMCE is also envisioned to become a regional hub for medical education, research, and clinical trials, potentially attracting global investments in pharmaceutical development and biomedical science.
As of today, thousands of Nigerians and Africans in the diaspora spend an estimated $2 billion annually on medical tourism. The AMCE seeks to reverse this trend by providing care that matches or surpasses what is available abroad—within reach, and at home.
The African Medical Centre of Excellence stands not just as a hospital, but as a symbol of continental pride and progress—an answer to decades of systemic health challenges, and a bold stride towards Africa’s self-sufficiency in critical care.
