In a historic stride toward revolutionizing healthcare in Africa, the African Export-Import Bank, in collaboration with King’s College Hospital, London, has officially launched the African Medical Centre of Excellence a $300 million world-class facility based in Abuja, Nigeria.
The inauguration of AMCE marks a major leap in Africa’s efforts to build healthcare sovereignty.
Representing President Bola Tinubu at the launch, Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima described the centre as a beacon of transformation.
“This is more than just a building,” Shettima said. “It is a symbol of Africa’s determination to end medical vulnerability and lead in world-class healthcare. With the largest stem cell lab in West Africa and a planned medical school, AMCE is a healing centre and a training ground for future generations.”
The event drew top government dignitaries and key stakeholders across public and private sectors, including ministers of health, finance, and foreign affairs; representatives of the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, NNPCL, and Bank of Industry.
Situated in Nigeria’s capital, AMCE aims to reduce the shocking $6–$10 billion each year that Africans spend on medical treatment abroad.
The hospital emphasizes specialized care in oncology, haematology, cardiology, and general medicine, currently operating 170 beds with intentions to expand to 500.
The centre is equipped with five operating theatres, three catheterisation labs, a 20-bed ICU, six critical care beds, and 20 chemotherapy chairs.
It also houses high-end diagnostic tools, including an 18MeV cyclotron, brachytherapy machine with iridium source, a 3 Tesla MRI scanner, and high-resolution CT scanners some of which are firsts in the region.
Afreximbank President and Chairman of AMCE’s Board, Prof. Benedict Oramah, noted the personal inspiration behind the project, referencing a past health emergency that exposed Africa’s dependency on foreign healthcare systems.
“This centre is a declaration that Africa is taking control of its healthcare future,” Oramah said.
“It is a catalyst for clinical excellence, research, and innovation,” he added.
AMCE is envisioned not just as a treatment hub, but as a nerve centre for medical education and research.
It plans to collaborate with institutions such as The Christie NHS Foundation Trust to drive world-class training and innovation.
The next phase will introduce a 350-bed expansion, medical and nursing schools, research centres, and residential quarters, establishing Nigeria as a centre of excellence in the region.
Building Capacity for a Resilient Future
Speaking on the broader impact, AMCE CEO Brian Deaver called the facility “a healthcare revolution for Africa.”
“We are combining international expertise with local talent development to build sustainable medical capacity,” he said.
AMCE’s introduction is in line with Nigeria’s larger Health Sector Renewal Initiative, which aims to invest more than $2.2 billion in healthcare, mostly in systems improvement, infrastructure, and local capacity building.
As part of the initiative, Afreximbank also announced the establishment of the Africa Life Sciences Foundation, aimed at driving capital into health innovation and research. Prof. Oramah urged regional stakeholders to rally behind the project:
“We call on African governments, financial institutions, and global partners to support this initiative.”
Prof. Clive Kay, CEO of King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, underscored the role of international partnerships in building sustainable systems:
“This collaboration aims to develop a sustainable model of care that directly meets the needs of African patients,” he said.
A Bold New Era for African Healthcare
Now open to patients, professionals, and partners, AMCE represents a powerful demonstration of what African-led collaboration can achieve delivering modern, accessible, and sustainable healthcare on the continent.