Healthcare entrepreneurship is key to unlocking Nigeria’s healthcare future – Mbelu

With over two decades of medical practice, healthcare advocacy, and entrepreneurship, Dr Chijioke Mbelu has emerged as one of Nigeria’s leading voices in healthcare innovation and transformation. He is the publisher of AfriHealth Magazine, CEO of AfriHealth Expo Nigeria Ltd, founder of AfriHealth Development Foundation International, and managing director of Newyou Hospital, and has reportedly dedicated his career to creating platforms that connect healthcare professionals, investors, policymakers, innovators, and businesses. In this exclusive interview with LYDIA ENYIDIYA EKE, he spoke on healthcare entrepreneurship, the success of AfriHealth Expo 2026, and his vision for the future of healthcare in Nigeria and Africa. Excerpts:

Doctor, you are widely known as a physician and healthcare advocate. How would you describe your journey so far?

My journey has been one of service, innovation, and impact. As a medical doctor, my primary responsibility has always been caring for patients. However, over the years, I realised that solving healthcare challenges requires more than treating diseases. We need stronger systems, strategic partnerships, innovation, and investments. That realisation pushed me into healthcare entrepreneurship, healthcare promotion, and stakeholder engagement. For over twenty years, I have worked to create platforms that bring people together to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes in Nigeria.

You often speak about healthcare entrepreneurship. Why is it so important at this time?

Healthcare entrepreneurship provides opportunities to solve problems creatively and sustainably. Government efforts alone cannot address all healthcare challenges. The private sector, innovators, investors, healthcare professionals, and entrepreneurs must work together. Entrepreneurship drives innovation, creates jobs, attracts investments, expands access to healthcare services, and strengthens healthcare infrastructure. It is one of the most effective pathways to healthcare transformation in Nigeria and across Africa.

What inspired the creation of the AfriHealth Expo?

The inspiration came from a desire to create a platform where healthcare stakeholders could meet, collaborate, and develop practical solutions to healthcare challenges. We needed a space where healthcare providers, policymakers, manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, digital health innovators, investors, and consumers could engage meaningfully. That vision gave birth to AfriHealth Expo, which has grown into one of Nigeria’s biggest indigenous healthcare exhibitions and conferences.

The Lagos AfriHealth Expo 2026 attracted significant attention. What made this year’s event special?

The 2026 edition was particularly remarkable because it reflected the growing interest in healthcare innovation and investment. The two-day event brought together healthcare leaders, policymakers, digital health innovators, investors, wellness experts, students, and over one thousand participants from different parts of Nigeria and beyond. It was encouraging to see so many stakeholders united by a common vision of transforming healthcare delivery in Africa.

What were the major objectives of the Expo?

Our objective was to promote healthcare innovation, collaboration, and transformation. We wanted participants to network, share ideas, showcase innovations, build strategic partnerships, and explore business opportunities within the healthcare sector. We also wanted to stimulate conversations around healthcare financing, digital transformation, local capacity building, and reducing dependence on medical tourism.

Medical tourism remains a major concern in Nigeria. How can the country address this challenge?

We must invest in our healthcare infrastructure, healthcare technology, and human resources. We have talented healthcare professionals in Nigeria. What is required is an enabling environment that supports quality service delivery, advanced medical equipment, continuous training, and strategic investments. When we strengthen local healthcare systems and improve patient confidence, fewer Nigerians will feel the need to seek treatment abroad.

Digital health was a recurring theme at the Expo. What role does technology play in healthcare transformation?

Technology is transforming healthcare globally. Digital health solutions improve efficiency, access, diagnosis, patient management, and healthcare delivery. Telemedicine, electronic health records, artificial intelligence, healthcare analytics, and mobile health applications are changing how care is provided. Nigeria must embrace these innovations if we are to build a modern and competitive healthcare system.

Beyond AfriHealth Expo, what other initiatives are you passionate about?

Through AfriHealth Magazine, we promote healthcare education and awareness. Through AfriHealth Development Foundation International and the Divine Health and Good Society Foundation, we support healthcare advocacy and community development initiatives. At Newyou Hospital, we continue to provide quality healthcare services. My passion is to create platforms that educate, empower, and improve lives.

You are known for connecting healthcare businesses and international partners. How important are partnerships in today’s healthcare environment?

Partnerships are essential. No single organisation can solve healthcare challenges alone. We need collaboration among government institutions, healthcare providers, development agencies, investors, technology companies, pharmaceutical firms, and medical equipment manufacturers. Partnerships accelerate innovation, improve service delivery, and create sustainable solutions.

Looking back, what achievement gives you the greatest satisfaction?

Seeing people come together to solve problems gives me immense satisfaction. Whether through AfriHealth Expo, healthcare advocacy, medical practice, or mentorship, I am inspired when I see ideas transformed into action and action transformed into impact. Creating opportunities that help improve healthcare delivery is deeply fulfilling.

What is your long-term vision for healthcare in Nigeria and Africa?

My vision is to see a healthcare system that is innovative, accessible, affordable, and globally competitive. I envision an ecosystem where healthcare entrepreneurs are empowered, investments flow into healthcare development, local capacity is strengthened, and patients receive quality care without leaving the continent. Africa has enormous potential, and I believe the future of healthcare on this continent is bright if we continue to innovate and collaborate.

Finally, what message would you like to leave with healthcare professionals, investors, and policymakers?

The future of healthcare depends on what we do today. We must embrace innovation, encourage entrepreneurship, invest strategically, and work together. Healthcare transformation is not the responsibility of one individual or one institution. It is a collective responsibility. Together, we can build a healthcare system that meets the needs of our people and becomes a model for the rest of the world.