Tag: Education

Only six months since its opening in June this year, the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) in Abuja is redefining top-class medical care in West Africa, achieving two ground-breaking clinical milestones. The world-class tertiary medical facility developed by African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) in partnership with King's College Hospital London, AMCE has successfully completed its first open-heart surgery – a complex Triple Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) and delivered the region's first Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for lung cancer. These achievements underscore AMCE's commitment to providing complex, life-saving treatments in Africa, significantly reducing the critical need for medical travel abroad.

Building on the quaternary hospital's recent outpatient and inpatient landmark advancements, AMCE's clinical teams have rapidly expanded the Centre's capability to deliver high-acuity care across both cardiovascular medicine and oncology.

On the oncology front, AMCE successfully delivered West Africa's pioneer SBRT for lung cancer, a highly advanced radio surgical technique that achieves surgical-level precision without incision. The milestone case involved an octogenarian with a localised lung tumour who received treatment enabled by sophisticated imaging, real-time motion tracking, and highly personalised radiation planning.

In cardiovascular care, AMCE's cardiac team continues to scale its interventional and surgical capabilities. In its first six months of operations, the hospital has performed over ten successful cardiac interventions, including coronary angiographies, permanent pacemaker insertions, and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). The successful completion of its first CABG now places AMCE among the few centres in Africa offering a fully integrated cardiac care pathway from advanced diagnostics and interventional cardiology to complex open-heart surgery within one facility.

Together, these achievements underscore AMCE's commitment to world-class, patient-centred cancer care in West Africa and accelerates its long-term goal of reversing outbound medical tourism and averting brain drain by providing the infrastructure, technology, and training environment needed to support the continent's most skilled specialists.

Brian Deaver, Chief Executive Officer of AMCE, commented: " Delivering our first open-heart surgery and West Africa's first SBRT treatment represents a defining moment for AMCE and for healthcare on the continent. These milestones reflect the exceptional skill and dedication of our multidisciplinary teams, who have worked tirelessly to ensure that patients can access the most advanced cancer and cardiac care right here in Africa. With our oncology systems, Cath labs, and theatres fully operational, we are closing long-standing gaps in access to high-quality treatment and enabling people to receive life-saving care close to home. Our commitment remains steadfast: to invest in our people, technology, and infrastructure so that Africans no longer need to travel abroad for the highest standards of care."

Commenting on these remarkable milestones, Oluranti Doherty, Managing Director of Export Development, Afreximbank said “AMCE's successful delivery of its first open-heart surgery and West Africa's first SBRT treatment demonstrates the transformative impact of Afreximbank's investment in world-class medical infrastructure. These achievements show what is possible when we build capacity locally, reducing the continent's dependence on outbound medical tourism, retaining vital clinical expertise, and strengthening Africa's broader health ecosystem. AMCE is advancing a new era of health dignity for Africans, and we are proud to support its continued leadership in complex and innovative care.”

AMCE is also in the process of preparing patients for further complex procedures, including valve repairs and replacements. By expanding its cardiovascular and specialised services, the hospital is reinforcing its commitment to curb medical tourism by reversing the estimated US$6–10 billion Africans spend annually seeking treatment abroad and stem the long-standing brain drain of medical professionals by creating high-quality career opportunities within Africa's borders.

AMCE's key services include cardiovascular services, haematology, comprehensive oncology, and general medical services. The facility has a current capacity of 170 beds with a plan to expand to 500 beds. It features the largest stem cell laboratory in the region, fifteen post stem cell isolation rooms and three catheterisation laboratories. The facility also includes specialised imaging equipment including an 18 Mev cyclotron, 3 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging, 256 slices computed tomography, brachytherapy machine with iridium source, 4 biosafety cabinets and 128 slices computed tomography machines.

About the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) Abuja:
The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) Abuja is a US$300 million, fully operational, quaternary -level multi-specialty hospital developed by Afreximbank in collaboration with King's College Hospital London. Since opening in June 2025, AMCE has been delivering world-class specialist care and setting new benchmarks for clinical excellence, patient outcomes, and medical innovation across Africa.

Built to close critical gaps in Africa's healthcare landscape, AMCE provides comprehensive services across oncology, haematology, cardiovascular care, and general medicine. The hospital has already achieved major clinical milestones including successful open-heart surgery and advanced oncology procedures cementing its role as a hub for complex care on the continent.

AMCE's mission goes beyond treatment. By offering procedures that previously required travel abroad, the Centre is directly reducing medical tourism and helping retain top medical talent. Its growing workforce, spanning medical, technical, and administrative roles, is contributing to job creation, knowledge transfer, and the strengthening of Nigeria's health ecosystem. Through ongoing research, education, and partnerships, AMCE is shaping a more self-sufficient, skilled, and healthier future for Africa.

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Côte d'Ivoire has taken an additional important step toward guaranteeing access to clean water with the inauguration of the urban water supply system for the Sub-Prefecture of Galébré. This is one of the first systems completed under the country's national Water for All (Eau Pour Tous) program. Designed to improve the lives of 35,000 inhabitants in the long term, this modern infrastructure, delivered by Mitrelli (https://Mitrelli.com), reinforces the Government of Côte d'Ivoire's commitment to ensure that clean water becomes a fundamental right for everyone.

This inauguration marks a flagship achievement within the Government's broader Water for All program, to modernize water infrastructure nationwide and close long-standing gaps in access for underserved communities. It will ultimately provide more than 1.5 million people across 200 sub-prefectures with sustainable access to potable water.

The inauguration, held on December 12, was led by H.E. Bouaké Fofana, Minister of Hydraulics and Sanitation, reaffirming the Government of Côte d'Ivoire's determination to expand equitable access to clean water across rural and semi-urban regions. Distinguished attendees included H.E. Moussa Sanogo, Minister of Heritage, State Portfolio, and Public Enterprises, H.E. Belmonde Dogo, Minister of National Cohesion, Solidarity and the Fight Against Poverty, H.E. Anne-Désirée Ouloto-Lamizana, Minister of Civil Service and Administrative Modernization, as well as regional authorities: the General Director of ONEP Ibrahiman Berté, traditional leaders, and community representatives. Mitrelli was represented by the country leadership team and the project team.

The newly inaugurated urban water supply system in Galébré will serve 35,000 inhabitants in the long term, providing a reliable and sustainable supply of clean water. The infrastructure includes a complete urban water supply system designed to improve public health, reduce waterborne diseases, and support socio-economic development across the region.

As of December 2025, significant progress has been achieved by the Government with the support of Mitrelli across the Water for All national programs. Works are currently underway in 25 villages. An additional six sites are scheduled to begin in December, while three more villages are expected to be completed before year-end. Provisional receptions for several sites are planned for January 2026.

These advancements reflect a coordinated national effort to strengthen water security, upgrade essential services, and improve resilience across Côte d'Ivoire.

Abdoul Hien, Country General Manager, Mitrelli Côte d'Ivoire, stated: “It is an honor to work with the Government of Côte d'Ivoire in advancing this historic initiative. The Water for All program is transforming daily life for communities across the country. Galébré is a first step; more will come. By delivering sustainable access to clean, safe water, we are enabling better health, stronger educational outcomes, and new economic opportunities. Mitrelli is committed to working alongside national and local partners to ensure long-term, impactful results for the country.”

This inauguration demonstrates how strategic water infrastructure can directly improve public health, strengthen community development, and unlock economic potential. Reliable access to potable water reduces diseases, frees time for education - not only but especially for women and girls - and supports agricultural, commercial, health-related and social activities. Côte d'Ivoire's progress through the Water for All program signals a nationwide shift toward sustainable and inclusive development.

Mitrelli media contact:
Emmanuelle Bendenoun
Global Communications Manager
Emmanuelle.b@mitrelli.com

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About Mitrelli:
Mitrelli (https://Mitrelli.com), a Swiss-based international company with over a decade of profound impact in Africa, has been collaborating closely with African leadership, governments, businesses, and communities, investing in and implementing innovative, holistic, and sustainable national-scale solutions. To date, the company has over 100 national-scale projects implemented across the continent, spanning housing, water, food, and energy, as well as key societal accelerators such as education, healthcare, and technology.

To learn more, visit us at https://Mitrelli.com.

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The Senior Vice-President of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade welcomed Canada's Special Envoy for Africa, Ambassador Ben Marc Diendéré, to the institution's headquarters. The cordial meeting was marked by frank discussions, putting the relationship between Canada and the Bank on a new footing.

"Canada is a partner and a great supporter of the Bank. Your country has shown leadership on issues such as climate, inclusive growth and gender equality," Akin-Olugbade said. She also noted that Canada is one of the five largest contributors to the African Development Fund, the concessional window of the African Development Bank Group. The 17th replenishment of the African Development Fund will take place in London next week, on 15 and 16 December.

"We believe in the African Development Bank as an important instrument for the continent," Diendéré. "Beyond our existing relationship, Canada has launched its Canada-Africa Strategy in order to strengthen our cooperation with the continent. As a country, we have a political commitment to market diversification. We are keen to see how Canadian companies can benefit from the African Development Bank as an instrument," he added.

Canada's Special Envoy for Africa discussed key themes that could be at the heart of a partnership in the future. These include renewable energy, mining, agribusiness, health, technical and vocational education and training, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and the cultural and creative industries.  

Akin-Olugbade and her team presented the Bank's Ten-Year Strategy, adopted in 2024, and the Four Cardinal Points, outlined by Bank president Sidi Ould Tah, that guide the Bank's investments. The Senior Vice-President highlighted opportunities for strengthening partnership through business opportunity seminars that are held twice a year. She emphasised that the Africa Investment Forum, which ended on 29 November and attracted nearly $15.3 billion in investment interest for 39 bankable projects, is a perfect opportunity for Canadian companies.  

She also raised the possibility of partnerships, beginning with the financing of project design and feasibility studies, and encouraged Canadian companies to participate in calls for tenders for programmes supported by the Bank.

Diendéré invited the Bank to send its representatives to Canada in order to present its work to the Canadian private sector. Akin-Olugbade and Diendéré agreed to prepare a roadmap, which will put the relationship between Canada and the Bank on a new footing and enable them to work together more productively.  

Media Contact:
Aissatou Diallo
Communications and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org