EBID President calls for a regional AI-driven ecosystem at inaugural conference on AI in Healthcare & Pharma

On August 4, 2026, the President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), Dr George Agyekum Donkor, delivered a keynote address as the Special Guest Speaker for the 1st International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Pharma in Ghana. The program, hosted by the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho, Ghana, was held under the theme: “Accelerating Adoption of Healthcare AI in Ghana: From Vision and Policy to Practice and Impact.”  

The event, which was convened in partnership with the Ministry of Health was attended by a number of officials, academicians and dignitaries. Bringing together healthcare professionals, researchers, technology innovators and entrepreneurs, the conference served as a high-level platform to explore how Artificial Intelligence could transform healthcare delivery, accelerate innovation, and stimulate economic activity across Africa.

In his address, Dr Donkor underscored the strategic role of Artificial Intelligence in improving healthcare outcomes, expanding access to quality services, and creating new opportunities for economic growth. He highlighted the need for stronger regional cooperation to unlock the full potential of AI in healthcare, particularly through interoperable digital infrastructure, harmonised regulatory frameworks, enhanced research collaboration and investment in digital skills.

“Artificial Intelligence represents far more than a technological advancement; it is a catalyst for transforming healthcare systems, empowering innovation and creating a new generation of health entrepreneurs. By working together to build a regional digital health ecosystem, West Africa can become not only a consumer of AI solutions but also a global producer of healthcare innovations that improve lives and drive sustainable growth,” said Dr Donkor.

The President of EBID also reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting investments that foster digital transformation, regional integration, and private sector development, in line with the Bank’s Growth, Resilience and Optimisation (GRO) Strategy 2026-2030.

Dr Donkor’s participation reflects EBID’s continued commitment to promoting innovative solutions that advance human capital development and sustainable socioeconomic transformation across West Africa.