Leadway Backs Medical Education Drive to Tackle Africa’s Health Workforce Gap

By LOVETH AZODO, Lagos

Leadway has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening healthcare systems across Africa with its support for the 2026 Association of Medical Schools in Africa Medical Education Conference, as stakeholders intensify efforts to address the continent’s growing health workforce challenges.

The conference, themed “Increasing Capacity and Retention of the Global Health Workforce,” is expected to bring together medical schools, healthcare professionals, academics and industry players to explore solutions to persistent gaps in training, capacity and retention of medical personnel across Africa.

Organisers say the platform will drive collaboration, knowledge exchange and innovation aimed at improving healthcare delivery outcomes.

The insurer’s backing underscores a growing trend of private sector involvement in healthcare development, particularly in supporting medical education as a foundation for long-term system resilience.

Analysts note that strengthening the pipeline of skilled and well-trained healthcare professionals remains critical to addressing shortages and improving access to quality care across the continent.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Managing Director of Leadway Pensure, Olusakin Labeodan, said investment in healthcare and medical education is essential to sustainable development.

He noted that supporting initiatives that build capacity and empower professionals is both a responsibility and a strategic priority, as stronger health systems are key to economic and social progress.

Also commenting, Managing Director of Leadway Health, Dr. Tokunbo Alli, said the future of healthcare in Africa depends on how effectively the continent equips and retains its medical workforce. He added that Leadway’s support for the conference, including its bioethics workshop, reflects a commitment to developing professionals who combine clinical expertise with strong ethical standards.

The AMSA Medical Education Conference has continued to serve as a key platform for dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders, as Africa seeks to build a more resilient healthcare system capable of meeting current and future demands.