At the 3rd International Conference of Public Health in Africa (CPHIA), held in December 2023 in Lusaka Zambia, was a vibrant symphony of homegrown expertise.

African researchers, policymakers, and health professionals took center stage, sharing groundbreaking research, forging innovative partnerships, and shaping the continent’s public health agenda.

For Ezinne Onwuekwe, a project manager and digital health professional, this wasn’t about outsiders prescribing solutions; it was about Africans owning their narrative, crafting their own roadmap to a healthier future. CPHIA 2023 is just one example, but it serves as a powerful model for the future of African development.

“For decades, conferences, meetings, summits about Africa have been held away from its soil, gatherings on its issues, opportunities, and futures have been held in distant capitals, far removed from the lived realities of the continent. This practice fosters a disconnect between discussions and solutions and fosters a one-sided narrative, marginalizes African voices, and hinders the development of solutions tailored to the continent’s unique realities”.

Onwuekwe who is also founder and Executive Director of The VC HealthTech Hub noted that in recent years, there has been a growing realization of the immense potential within Africa, prompting a shift in focus towards harnessing homegrown solutions and fostering regional collaboration. One key avenue that has gained prominence in this endeavor is the hosting of conferences within the continent itself.

“This shift in perspective offers a multitude of benefits hosting these events in Africa fosters authentic engagement and knowledge exchange. Immersed in the continent’s vibrant cultures, diverse landscapes, and socio-economic complexities, participants gain a firsthand understanding that transcends abstract data and filtered reports.

“This on-the-ground perspective allows for a deeper appreciation of local contexts, challenges, and aspirations, leading to more nuanced and effective solutions. This experience transcends theoretical discussions, allowing them to witness the nuances of development and engage with stakeholders directly. Imagine a session on malaria control held in a village battling the disease, not in a sterile conference room.

“The impact is undeniable. A conference on wildlife conservation hosted in a Kenyan conservancy allows participants to see the impact of their policies on real communities and ecosystems, leading to more informed and impactful solutions”.

Bringing international discourse to the continent centers African expertise and perspectives, challenging the prevailing narrative of Africa as a passive recipient of aid. No longer relegated to the sidelines, African scholars, practitioners, and community leaders gain platforms to share their knowledge and insights, shaping solutions that are culturally relevant and contextually grounded.

This counters the historical marginalization of African voices in global discussions and empowers African thinkers, researchers, and practitioners to shape the narrative around the continent’s future.

“This exchange of knowledge wasn’t just one-directional; it was a vibrant dialogue, with international participants learning from and being inspired by the continent’s ingenuity.

For example, the Africa Health Tech Summit held in October in Kigali, Rwanda, showcased locally-developed solutions and give African health professionals the platform to share their knowledge and advocate for improved digital healthcare systems”.

The influx of attendees stimulates local economies, boosting tourism, hospitality, and related sectors. Conference infrastructure can be repurposed for future events or educational institutions, creating lasting legacies beyond the event itself.

“Additionally, the knowledge transfer and partnerships fostered during these conferences can lead to investments in infrastructure, technology, and research, contributing to the continent’s long-term development goals. For instance, a conference on sustainable energy solutions in Africa could attract investors and technological expertise, leading to the development of clean energy projects that benefit local communities and contribute to the continent’s energy independence.”

Onwuekwe noted that beyond the immediate benefits, homegrown conferences represent a broader paradigm shift. It signifies a growing movement within Africa to reclaim ownership of its own narrative, its own development trajectory. This movement recognizes that the solutions to Africa’s challenges lie not in imported blueprints, but in the collective wisdom, resilience, and innovation of its own people.

Holding Africa-themed conferences in Africa is not just a logistical shift, but a powerful statement of faith in the continent’s potential. However, some concerns regarding hosting conferences in Africa need to be addressed. Logistical challenges, such as visa barriers, infrastructure limitations, and security concerns, can hinder participation and accessibility.

“To overcome these challenges, collaborations between governments, international organizations, and private stakeholders are essential”.

It is time to move beyond the one-sided narrative and recognize that Africa’s future lies not in distant conference rooms, but in its own vibrant and dynamic spaces. By holding the mirror up to the continent, we can create a brighter and more authentic reflection for the world to see. Let us continue to shift the spotlight, to empower African voices, and to cultivate a future where Africa’s solutions illuminate the path for the entire world.

“Let Africa’s future be shaped not just in its landscapes, but also in its conference halls, where voices rise, solutions bloom, and a new chapter unfolds, written by Africans, for Africans. The 2023 CPHIA ticked all the above points. Unequivocally, when Africa thrives, the world thrives with it.”