HISP Rwanda joined health leaders, policymakers, technology innovators, development partners, and digital health experts from across Africa and beyond at the Africa HealthTech Summit 2026, held from 30 September to 2 October at the Kigali Convention Center.
Held under the theme “Wellness for All – Powered by Intelligent Health Systems,” the summit brought together more than 5,600 delegates to explore how technology, data, innovation, and partnerships can contribute to stronger and more responsive health systems across Africa.
HISP Rwanda was represented at the summit by Amza Ndabateze, CAR Portfolio Manager, who participated in discussions on digital health transformation and the future of intelligent health systems, representing both HISP Rwanda and the wider HISP Africa network.
Putting Data at the Centre of Better Healthcare
Throughout the summit, discussions highlighted the growing importance of reliable, accessible, and actionable health data in strengthening healthcare delivery.
For HISP Rwanda, the conversations reinforced a key principle at the heart of its work: data must be at the forefront of better healthcare. When health data is available and used effectively, decision-makers can better understand challenges, allocate resources, monitor performance, and respond to emerging health needs.
The summit also provided an opportunity to reflect on the role of interoperability and digital public infrastructure in creating connected health systems where information can move efficiently across programmes, facilities, and levels of care.
These priorities closely align with HISP Rwanda’s work supporting governments and health partners to strengthen digital health systems, build local capacity, improve data use, and develop sustainable information systems.
One of the notable sessions at the summit was “The Politics of Health and Agenda 2063,” featuring Dr. Mary Moussa, FAPH, and Prof. PLO Lumumba.
The session explored issues including political will, African agency, leadership, ownership, and the importance of African-led approaches in shaping the continent’s health future.
These discussions underscored that technology alone cannot transform health systems. Sustainable digital transformation also requires strong institutions, committed leadership, local ownership, effective partnerships, and continued investment in people and systems.
Strengthening Partnerships for Digital Health Transformation
The Africa HealthTech Summit provided a valuable platform for stakeholders to exchange experiences, explore emerging technologies, and identify opportunities for collaboration.
For HISP Rwanda, participation in the summit further strengthened the importance of working together across governments, technology partners, development organisations, and other stakeholders to advance digital health solutions that respond to local needs.
As part of the HISP Africa network, HISP Rwanda continues to contribute to efforts that support digital transformation across Africa through data-driven decision-making, interoperability, capacity building, and sustainable information systems.
From the Summit to Continued Action
The conclusion of the Africa HealthTech Summit 2026 marks not an end, but another step in the ongoing journey towards stronger and more intelligent health systems.
The conversations in Kigali highlighted the need to move from innovation to implementation — ensuring that digital solutions translate into practical improvements in healthcare delivery and ultimately contribute to better health outcomes.
HISP Rwanda is proud to have been part of these important conversations and remains committed to working with partners to strengthen digital health systems where data, technology, local capacity, and partnerships come together to improve health services.
The summit may be over, but the work continues , towards connected, data-driven and sustainable health systems for Africa.
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