Nigeria bets on high-end diagnostics as Siemens–AMCE deal targets medical tourism drain

Siemens Healthineers has partnered with the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) to expand access to advanced diagnostics and cancer care in Nigeria, in a move aimed at reducing outbound medical travel and strengthening local healthcare capacity.

The AMCE is raising healthcare standards across the continent by delivering a locally sustainable, world-class medical centre, offering advanced care across oncology, cardiovascular, haematology, radiology, and surgical specialties.

The collaboration is designed to enhance access to state-of-the-art medical imaging, precision diagnostics, and integrated cancer care solutions, while equipping AMCE clinicians with the skills to operate these technologies effectively. It also includes cardiovascular solutions and clinical workflow optimization, aimed at improving early diagnosis, treatment outcomes, and operational excellence.

The deal reflects a broader push by Nigeria to tackle the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which account for about 30 percent of deaths in the country, with cardiovascular diseases responsible for roughly 10 percent.

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AMCE, a $300 million multi-specialty hospital backed by Afreximbank and partners, is positioning itself as a regional hub for complex care, including oncology, cardiology and haematology. The partnership with Siemens Healthineers is expected to improve early diagnosis and treatment outcomes, while streamlining clinical workflows.

Brian Deaver, CEO of AMCE said, “Our vision at AMCE is to build a centre that delivers internationally benchmarked care while serving as a hub for training, research and innovation rooted in Africa’s healthcare realities.

“Partnering with Siemens Healthineers strengthens our ability to expand access to advanced radiology and oncology technologies across Nigeria and the wider African region, ensuring more patients can benefit from world-class diagnostics and treatment closer to home. This collaboration supports earlier diagnosis, more precise treatment and improved outcomes across cancer care and other non-communicable diseases, while also advancing the training and development of clinicians who will help drive the next phase of specialised healthcare delivery on the continent.”

By combining technology deployment with workforce development, Siemens Healthineers said it aims to strengthen health systems and expand access to quality care across Africa.

“Partnering with AMCE reflects the trust placed in our capabilities and marks a pivotal step in advancing sustainable, high-quality healthcare across Africa. Through the deployment of advanced medical technologies and integrated solutions, we are supporting improved access to diagnostics and treatment, empowering clinicians, strengthening health systems, and helping shape a future where world-class care is accessible in Nigeria and across the continent. We also recognize the invaluable contribution of Tanit Medical Engineering in ensuring seamless project implementation,” said Vivek Kanade, managing director, Siemens Healthineers Middle East and Africa.

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AMCE, which began operations in 2025, has already carried out complex procedures such as open-heart surgeries and advanced cancer treatments, underscoring its ambition to become a centre for specialised care on the continent.

Analysts say such collaborations could mark a turning point in Africa’s healthcare model, shifting from reliance on foreign treatment to building domestic centres of excellence capable of handling complex diseases closer to home.