President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of both the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and Africa Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) Abuja, Prof Benedict Oramah, has said the tertiary-level multi-specialty medical institution will help Nigeria retain the over $1.1 billion lost annually to outbound medical tourism, redirecting those resources towards strengthening her own systems.
AMCE is a tertiary medical institution spearheaded by Afreximbank in partnership with King’s College Hospital, London. It represents a defining moment in Africa’s pursuit of self-sufficiency in healthcare.
Prof Oramah spoke during a stakeholder and media tour to showcase AMCE Abuja’s major construction milestones. With the hospital’s launch set for June 2025, AMCE Abuja will deliver comprehensive services in oncology, haematology, cardiovascular care, and general healthcare. He said the AMCE is set to change that narrative by delivering world-class, lifesaving care to over 350, 000 patients within its first five years.
He said: “This facility will ensure that quality healthcare is no longer a privilege reserved for those who can afford to travel overseas. It will create 3, 000 jobs, stimulate intra-African trade in medical services, and strengthen critical supply chains in pharmaceuticals and healthcare delivery,” he said
The Afreximbank boss further stated: “This initiative is more than an investment in infrastructure—it is an investment in Africa’s future. Through strategic partnerships with governments, international stakeholders, and the private sector, we are demonstrating that Africa has both the ambition and the capability to provide world-class healthcare for its people.
“The AMCE is not just a medical facility; it is a statement of intent, a symbol of progress, and a beacon of hope for a healthier, more self-reliant continent.”
Also highlighting the hospital’s impact, AMCE Chief Executive Officer Brian Deaver said: “The AMCE is not just a hospital—it is a bold step toward reshaping the future of specialised healthcare in Africa.
“By integrating cutting-edge medical technologies, pioneering research, and world-class training, AMCE is creating a sustainable healthcare ecosystem that will set new standards for medical excellence across the continent.
“This facility is more than a response to Africa’s healthcare challenges—it is a proactive investment in the well-being of millions. From early diagnostics to advanced treatment and long-term disease management, AMCE will provide a seamless continuum of care that improves patient outcomes, strengthens medical expertise, and retains talent that might otherwise seek opportunities abroad.”
Deaver said as AMCE moves closer to its launch, the focus remains unwavering: building a centre of excellence that not only delivers life-saving care but also drives economic growth, supports local innovation, and reinforces Nigeria’s position as a leading destination for specialised medical treatment.
He said: “Through strategic partnerships and state-of-the-art infrastructure, we are not just treating diseases—we are transforming healthcare delivery for generations to come.”
Also speaking on the occasion, Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, said: “The Africa Medical Centre of Excellence represents a transformative leap for healthcare in Nigeria and across the continent.
“Witnessing the rapid progress of this project reaffirms our commitment to fostering world-class medical infrastructure that will provide accessible and high-quality care for all. The Government of Nigeria remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that strengthen the nation’s healthcare system and enhance the well-being of its people.”
Similarly, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said: “Healthcare is the backbone of national development, and the AMCE is a shining example of what strategic investment and collaboration can achieve.
“This project will not only position Nigeria as a hub for cutting-edge medical services but also create jobs and drive innovation in the sector. The government is proud to support such a visionary initiative that will serve generations to come.”
Former President Muhammadu Buhari performed the ground-breaking ceremony of AMCE in December 2021. This flagship facility, now scheduled to commence operations June this year, is a crucial component of Afreximbank’s network of healthcare facilities, aiming to address brain drain, decrease medical tourism, and foster job creation.
