The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Africa’s healthcare sovereignty as the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) in Abuja marked significant milestones in its first year of operation, treating more than 5,000 patients from over 20 countries across four continents while delivering specialist medical procedures previously unavailable in West Africa.
The renewed commitment came as George Elombi, president and chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, visited the Centre on July 3 as part of his working tour of Nigeria and the wider region. During the visit, he described the facility as a demonstration of Africa’s capacity to build and sustain world-class healthcare institutions capable of reducing the continent’s dependence on medical travel abroad.
Developed by Afreximbank in partnership with King’s College Hospital, London, the African Medical Centre of Excellence was established to transform specialist healthcare delivery across Africa by strengthening clinical capacity, advancing research and education, creating a sustainable ecosystem for world-class care, and ultimately reversing the long-standing trend of Africans travelling overseas for advanced medical treatment.
In just one year of operation, the Centre has progressed from concept to measurable impact, emerging as a regional referral hub for advanced specialist healthcare. Beyond registering more than 5,000 patients from over 20 countries, the hospital has recorded a series of landmark clinical achievements that underscore its ambition to redefine healthcare delivery on the continent.
Among its most notable accomplishments was the successful delivery of West Africa’s first Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for lung cancer. The Centre treated an octogenarian with a localised lung tumour using the highly precise, non-invasive radiation technique that previously required many patients to seek treatment outside Africa. It also completed its first complex Triple Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG), demonstrating that advanced cardiac surgery can now be performed to international standards within the continent.
The Centre has also successfully carried out two stem cell transplants, while its advanced laboratory has processed more than 40,000 diagnostic tests and investigations within its first year. During the same period, AMCE completed 10 open-heart surgeries, performed 11 cardiac surgical procedures under its cardiac programme, conducted 99 catheterisation laboratory procedures and 173 anaesthesia-supported procedures.
Expanding its specialist capabilities further, the Centre has commenced nuclear medicine services with Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging now available for bone scans, renograms and perfusion scans. Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) imaging is also scheduled to commence later this year, broadening the range of advanced diagnostic services available within Africa.
Speaking during the visit, Elombi praised the Centre’s rapid progress, describing its first-year achievements as compelling evidence of African excellence, institutional determination and collective purpose.
“The success of this Centre reflects the depth of talent assembled here and the pan-African spirit that underpins its service,” he said. “The vision that inspired the conception and construction of this facility is the same conviction now being carried forward by the medical professionals delivering care to the continent. The AMCE provides health services and advances Africa’s health sovereignty while affirming our collective capacity to take responsibility for our own lives and future.”
He added that the Centre has become “a world-class quaternary healthcare facility delivering medical services of a standard that many would previously have sought beyond the continent,” urging Nigerians and other Africans to utilise the facility. “Nigerians, and citizens across Africa, must take full advantage of this facility, built by African institutions with the steadfast support of our governments,” he said.
Brian Deaver, chief executive officer of AMCE, said Elombi’s visit represented an important milestone for the Centre and an opportunity to reflect on the progress achieved since opening its doors.
“Our progress, from pioneering clinical achievements to earning growing trust across the region, demonstrates that Africa can build and sustain world-class centres of excellence,” Deaver said. “With Afreximbank’s continued vision and support, we remain committed to advancing patient care, research, education and innovation to strengthen health systems across the continent.”
As part of the visit, Elombi toured key clinical departments, interacted with healthcare professionals and staff, and received updates on the Centre’s operational performance, clinical achievements and long-term expansion plans. He commended employees for their dedication to building what he described as a new benchmark for specialist healthcare in Africa, noting that the Centre’s early success reflects the professionalism, commitment and shared vision of its workforce.
The Centre currently employs more than 600 clinical and non-clinical professionals representing 12 nationalities, reinforcing its growing reputation as a destination for highly skilled healthcare talent. Earlier this year, AMCE also earned the Great Place to Work Certification, with 90 percent of employees affirming that it is a great place to work, further strengthening its position as one of Africa’s emerging centres of medical excellence.
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