Digitisation showcases return on investments in African hospitalsDigitisation showcases return on investments in African hospitals

Digitisation in African healthcare is no longer a test run — it's paying off. From operating rooms in Lagos to rural clinics in Kigali, hospitals are using technology not just to modernise, but to make real impact: sharper diagnoses, lower costs, and care that reaches farther than ever.

Digital health investments hit US$3.8 billion in 2023 and are projected to grow at a 23.4 per cent CAGR, reaching US$16.6 billion by 2030. One thing is clear: the return on investment (ROI) isn’t hypothetical; it’s happening.

The real question is: who’s doing it right, and how can we scale it?

Electronic health records: building continuity of care

At the heart of this shift is the Electronic Health Record (EHR). Clinics in Nigeria and Kenya that adopted EHR systems report reduced medication errors and better appointment management. In Uganda, the implementation of UgandaEMR, a nationally supported electronic health record system has significantly improved patient data management and clinical workflows across more than 1,700 public health facilities.

The return on investment goes beyond finances. Digitising records helps hospitals centralise data, cut admin overhead, and keep patient journeys intact. One study found a 27 per cent rise in patient volume per clinician within just 10 months. Most facilities saw ROI in under a year, thanks to better productivity and reduced labour costs.

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Telemedicine and AI diagnostics: expanding access beyond borders

Digitisation is breaking geographical barriers. In Ghana, platforms like Zipline and mPharma enable remote diagnosis, vaccine delivery, and drug distribution to hard-to-reach communities.

AI triage tools such as Ada Health in South Africa and Vantage in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa support frontline workers with faster assessments and smarter referrals. In Rwanda, an AI triage pilot cut unnecessary clinic visits by 30 per cent, easing the pressure on facilities and improving care access.

Smart supply chains: cutting waste, boosting margins

Hospitals across East Africa are beginning to digitise procurement using smart inventory systems. From barcode scanners to cloud-based dashboards, tools like MedSource and Maisha Meds are helping facilities track drug usage in real time. This shift reduces overstocking, eliminates expiry waste, and optimises delivery cycles.

In Tanzania, a World Bank–supported rollout of a national electronic logistics management information system (eLMIS) and logistics management unit led to a 28 per cent drop in stock-out rates within one year, and significantly reduced prolonged stock-outs across 40 hospitals. Although supply chain costs rose slightly, a cost-efficiency study found that improved inventory visibility and data-driven decisions delivered a potential ROI of up to 40 per cent when scaled nationally.

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The next frontier is interoperability and predictive analytics

While progress is clear, many systems still operate in silos. The next leap is interoperability — getting EHRs, supply chains, and AI tools to work together. Rwanda’s Health Ministry is piloting platforms that merge patient data with logistics and disease trends, improving outbreak response and coordination. Public-private collaboration is key.
“The private sector is the cheetah; fast and agile. The government is the elephant; strong enough to clear the path. When the road is cluttered with rocks, you need the might of the elephant to clear the way so the cheetah can get through,” said Dr. Ernest Darkoh, BroadReach co-founder.

Predictive analytics whether tracking chronic disease or forecasting medical stock needs is also gaining ground. But to get there, countries must standardise data systems and train more digital health professionals.

Cybersecurity remains a quiet threat

Digitisation delivers value but also exposes risk. Many African hospitals still operate without basic safeguards: no multi-factor authentication, unencrypted records, outdated firewalls, and vulnerable legacy systems.
“The healthcare industry is fast facing a growing threat to data breaches… the proliferation of Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) devices has increased potential entry points for attackers,” warns Kayode AyinOluwa, senior cybersecurity expert at RBC Canada.

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Experts point to widespread gaps like weak firewalls and shared devices with no access controls.

These gaps leave hospitals exposed to data breaches, operational shutdowns, and significant reputational damage. Leading institutions are responding with zero-trust security, data encryption, and staff training on critical steps to protect patients and systems.

Conclusion

Digitisation in African hospitals is delivering real ROI through better care, improved access, and operational efficiency. But sustaining this momentum requires deeper integration, stronger cybersecurity, and a commitment to scaling what works.

For health leaders, CIOs, and investors, the foundation is laid. The return is clear. Now is the time to scale proven solutions securely and strategically.