East Africa’s Digital Health Shift Puts AI, Hospital Technology on Procurement Agenda
By Peace Muthoka
NAIROBI, Kenya, September 1, 2026 — East Africa’s healthcare sector is moving beyond digital health pilots towards wider day-to-day adoption, as hospitals and governments increasingly turn to artificial intelligence (AI), telemedicine and connected technologies to improve access, efficiency and continuity of care.
Across the region, healthcare providers are investing in interoperable systems, digital claims platforms and data-driven solutions, creating new opportunities for technology companies, distributors and investors.
According to the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), digitalisation could contribute an estimated KES 19 billion to Kenya’s economy by 2028. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) says only about 30 per cent of telemedicine projects in Africa are currently implemented, pointing to significant room for further growth.
Against this backdrop, healthcare technology will take centre stage when the World Health Expo (WHX) 2026 is held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi from September 16 to 18.
The 10th edition of the event is expected to attract more than 5,500 attendees and over 200 exhibitors from more than 30 countries, bringing together healthcare providers, hospital decision-makers, distributors, technology companies and investors.
Dr Anne Musuva, CEO of the Kenya Healthcare Federation, said the country’s digital health reforms were opening up opportunities to improve access, efficiency and the quality of healthcare.
Kenya’s digital health drive has increasingly shifted from policy development to implementation. The Digital Health Act, 2023, established the Digital Health Agency and provided a framework for integrated health information systems, digital services and health data governance.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health is advancing initiatives including the Health Information Exchange, electronic claims processing, the SHA Registration Portal, AfyaYangu and digital hospital management systems.
For hospitals, however, the focus is increasingly on whether technology can deliver practical results.
AI-powered tools can assist with medical imaging and laboratory decision-making, while electronic medical records can help healthcare workers access patient information and improve continuity of care. At the same time, hospital management systems can streamline patient flow, claims processing, inventory management and resource planning.
The digital health opportunity also extends beyond Kenya.
In Ethiopia, the Digital Health Blueprint 2021–2030 prioritises interoperability, digital infrastructure and the use of health data. In addition, the Ethiopia Health Connect initiative is expected to expand teleconsultation and other digital health services to more than 30 million people.
Despite this progress, connectivity and infrastructure remain major challenges. Unreliable electricity, limited access to devices and inadequate broadband connectivity continue to slow the adoption of digital health technologies in parts of the region.
Consequently, technology providers that can offer solutions capable of operating with limited bandwidth, supporting offline workflows, integrating with national health platforms and protecting patient data are likely to have an advantage in the East African market.
Investment in the sector is also gaining momentum. Briter data cited in a 2026 regional health-tech review shows that East African startups attracted USD 865 million between January and August 2025, with about USD 150 million directed towards health technology.
Against this growing demand, WHX Nairobi will provide a platform for healthcare leaders to explore technologies designed to address some of the region’s most pressing healthcare challenges.
Held under the patronage of Kenya’s Ministry of Health, the expo will feature eight product sectors, including IT and digital health solutions. Participants will have an opportunity to explore AI diagnostics, electronic medical records, hospital management systems, telemedicine platforms, connected medical devices and health data tools.
Tom Coleman, Portfolio Director–Healthcare at InD, said the expo comes at an important time for Kenya’s healthcare technology market.
“Kenya’s healthcare sector is rapidly adopting digital solutions, and September marks a key moment for the market,” Coleman said. “WHX in Nairobi brings together AI diagnostics, telemedicine platforms and hospital technology providers with healthcare leaders during a procurement period.”
As East Africa’s digital health ambitions continue to grow, the emphasis is now shifting from simply adopting new technologies to finding solutions that can work reliably, integrate across health systems and deliver measurable improvements for both healthcare providers and patients.
