Smart Summit 2026: Scaling Tech to Transform African Health Systems
PHOTO: From L- R Mr. William Techera, Group Head of Marketing Smart Applications, Andrew Musangi, Board Chairman Smart Applications, Dr. Ouma Oluga PS State Department Medical Services and Mr. Harrison Muiru, Group Managing Director Smart Applications during the 5th Smart Summit 2026at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi.
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 19 – Africa’s healthcare leaders gathered in Nairobi for the Smart Summit 2026, marking a pivotal shift in the continent’s medical landscape stakeholders from government, insurance and the tech sector issued a unified call to move beyond the “app-based” fragmentation of the past decade, demanding instead the creation of fully integrated, accountable health systems that prioritize measurable patient outcomes over isolated digital tools.
The fifth edition of the Smart Summit hosted by Smart Applications International at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi brought together senior decision-makers from across the continent under the theme “Healthcare Technology for a Better World.”
The forum has steadily evolved into a premier executive platform for shaping the future of healthcare delivery through policy alignment, system innovation, and cross-sector collaboration.
Chairman of the Board of Smart Applications International, Mr Andrew Musangi, while opening the summit emphasised the urgency of translating dialogue into action, noting that the complexity of today’s healthcare challenges requires deeper alignment among stakeholders.
“Over the past five years, this Summit has grown into a platform for meaningful engagement across the healthcare ecosystem the opportunity before us is significant, but it demands more than conversation”, said Mr. Musangi.
“It requires coordinated action, stronger partnerships, and a shared commitment to building healthcare systems that are resilient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of our populations.”
The Summit discussions focused on a central reality facing many healthcare systems across Africa: while investments in digital health have increased, persistent inefficiencies continue to undermine service delivery.
Additionally, Participants highlighted the need to move beyond isolated digital tools toward interoperable platforms that connect patients, providers, payers and policymakers within a unified system.
Smart Applications International Managing director, Mr Harrison Muiru in his remarks underscored the importance of system-wide accountability, noting that the next phase of healthcare transformation will depend on how effectively technology is embedded in governance and operational frameworks.
“The progress we have made in expanding access to healthcare is significant, but access alone is not enough the next frontier is accountability – ensuring that healthcare systems are efficient, transparent and capable of delivering measurable outcomes”, said Mr. Muiru.
“Technology must move beyond supporting processes to strengthening systems, enabling real-time visibility, and driving better decision-making across the entire healthcare value chain.”
The Summit also served as a platform to interrogate execution gaps in digital health implementation, with stakeholders calling for a shift from pilot-driven innovation to scalable, sustainable solutions that can operate at national and regional levels.
Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga, while speaking at the forum reaffirmed government’s commitment to leveraging digital infrastructure to advance Universal Health Coverage and improve service delivery across the country.
“The success of Universal Health Coverage depends on the strength of the systems that support it. Technology is a critical enabler in this journey – from patient identification and service delivery to claims management and policy decision-making”, stated PS Oluga.
“Our focus must be on building integrated, secure, and scalable digital health systems that enhance efficiency, improve accountability, and ensure that healthcare services reach every citizen.”
The Summit saw the debut of the Inaugural Smart Summit Excellence Awards, a prestigious program established to honor the visionaries reshaping African healthcare by spotlighting institutions and individual leaders who are advancing healthcare access, strengthening system efficiency, and driving innovation across Africa’s healthcare landscape.
This new annual tradition underscores a continental commitment to fostering an ecosystem where innovation is not merely celebrated, but actively integrated to ensure equitable health access for all.
Further, throughout the Summit, discussions emphasised four priority areas for healthcare transformation: scaling proven digital solutions, strengthening interoperability across systems, leveraging data for real-time decision-making, and enhancing accountability across healthcare financing and service delivery.
As healthcare systems across Africa continue to face increasing demand, rising costs and evolving public expectations, participants underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Smart Applications International, over the past two decades has played a pivotal role in advancing healthcare technology across Africa, delivering solutions in biometric identity, digital health platforms and analytics.
With operations spanning multiple countries, the company continues to partner with governments, healthcare providers, insurers and development organisations to strengthen healthcare systems and expand access to essential services.
The Summit concluded with a unified call to action, as leaders pledged to move beyond pilot programs and toward large-scale digital implementation.
By prioritizing cross-sector partnerships, digital health investments it aims to ensure that technological advancements translate directly into measurable gains in patient safety and clinical efficiency.
