The world is undergoing a profound geopolitical shift, amplified by economic challenges and an unprecedented wave of national elections in a single year. These changes resonate globally, with Africa positioned at the heart of this transformation. Now is a pivotal moment for Africa’s leadership, across generations, to shape the continent’s future. As South Africa chairs the G20, the WHO unveils a new global program of work, and young people champion political change, Africa stands as the world’s largest free trade area. This is a unique opportunity for African nations to emerge as key drivers of global progress.

The opening ceremony will examine Africa’s growing autonomy and formidable leadership in international diplomacy. It will explore how the continent can drive actions towards a prosperous, healthy and peaceful Africa through the lens of economics, trade, leadership, climate change, and politics.

Africa faces a growing health crisis as climate change fuels disasters like floods and droughts, triggering severe disease outbreaks. Despite the urgent need for robust climate-health research to guide policy and planning, Africa invests only 0.45% of its GDP in research and development, far below the global average. Challenges such as limited access to advanced scientific tools, infrastructure, and publication opportunities further hinder progress. With less than 14% of global climate research funding directed to Africa, there’s an urgent call for increased investment to bridge these gaps, boost interdisciplinary research, and foster innovation to address climate-related health challenges effectively.

Building on climate health diplomacy efforts at COP28 and the commitment of global leaders to sustain momentum on climate and health, this session at AHAIC 2025 introduces the “Conference of Communities” initiative – setting a stage for transformative dialogue with the aim to amplify voices of vulnerable communities often excluded from global forums due to bureaucratic barriers like visa restrictions and funding challenges. Against the backdrop of a contentious climate finance deal at COP29, this initiative also seeks to drive community-led solutions and accountability, aligning with the Climate Change and Health Resolution adopted at WHA77, and ensuring that solutions are rooted in the realities of those most affected.

The global health ecosystem has experienced significant changes that warrant a rethink of its architecture. Shifts in power dynamics and lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic have sparked a reinvigorated African call for equity and autonomy across several sectors that are inextricably linked to health. This session unpacks the Lusaka Agenda and its vision for advancing global health equity through regional manufacturing, research and development, domestic financing, and partnerships that prioritize local leadership. Through dynamic discussions, speakers will challenge traditional approaches to health financing, explore reforms in global and regional health architectures, and highlight opportunities for African-led innovation and local manufacturing, as well as the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement which stands as a beacon of hope to promote partnership and economic liberation across the continent.

Together, we will envision a future where Africa’s voice and expertise shape a more equitable and sustainable global health framework.

Africa stands at the cusp of a health revolution driven by advances in smartphone access, digital infrastructure, and AI technologies. With immense potential to transform health service delivery, improve outcomes, and foster equity, AI offers new hope for addressing the continent’s pressing health challenges. However, with just 1.3% of global research funding and 0.1% of global patents, Africa must invest in strengthening its research, development, and innovation (RD&I) capacity to fully harness AI’s transformative power.

This session will delve into how AI and emerging technologies can revolutionize Africa’s health systems and position the continent as a global leader in health innovation. Discussions will tackle barriers like inequitable data access, biased algorithms, and underinvestment, while exploring solutions to challenges such as rapid population growth, urbanization, and disease burden. Key themes include fostering an enabling ecosystem for AI-driven health solutions, crafting ethical and inclusive policies, and co-creating a vision for a research-led future that addresses Africa’s unique health needs and ensures no one is left behind.

Persistent inequalities rooted in harmful cultural norms, gender disparities, and the moralization of critical health issues continue to hinder progress in Africa. This session examines the intersection of gender and social determinants like poverty, education, and culture, highlighting their impact on health inequities. By engaging diverse stakeholders, including men, faith leaders, and community influencers, the discussion will focus on successful gender-integrated health policies, collaborative interventions, and solutions to build inclusive, equitable, and people-centred health systems across Africa. Together, we aim to chart a path toward gender-just healthcare that leaves no one behind.