Nairobi, Kenya – 19 March 2026…. Africa’s healthcare leaders today convened in Nairobifor the Smart Summit 2026, as stakeholders across government, healthcare, insurance,and technology sectors called for a decisive shift from fragmented digital initiatives tofully integrated, accountable health systems. Hosted by Smart Applications International at the Safari Park Hotel, the fifth edition ofthe Summit brought together senior decision-makers from across the continent under thetheme “Healthcare Technology for a Better World.” The forum has steadily evolved into apremier executive platform for shaping the future of healthcare delivery through policyalignment, system innovation, and cross-sector collaboration. Opening the Summit, the Chairman of the Board of Smart Applications International, MrAndrew Musangi, emphasised the urgency of translating dialogue into action, noting thatthe complexity of today’s healthcare challenges requires deeper alignment amongstakeholders. “Over the past five years, this Summit has grown into a platform for meaningfulengagement across the healthcare ecosystem. The opportunity before us is significant,but it demands more than conversation. It requires coordinated action, strongerpartnerships, and a shared commitment to building healthcare systems that are resilient,transparent, and responsive to the needs of our populations.” The Summit discussions focused on a central reality facing many healthcare systems acrossAfrica: while investments in digital health have increased, persistent inefficienciescontinue to undermine service delivery. Participants highlighted the need to move beyondisolated digital tools toward interoperable platforms that connect patients, providers,payers, and policymakers within a unified system. In his address, the Group Managing Director, Mr Harrison Muiru of Smart ApplicationsInternational, underscored the importance of system-wide accountability, noting that thenext phase of healthcare transformation will depend on how effectively technology isembedded in governance and operational frameworks. “The progress we have made in expanding access to healthcare is significant, but accessalone is not enough. The next frontier is accountability – ensuring that healthcaresystems are efficient, transparent, and capable of delivering measurable outcomes.Technology must move beyond supporting processes to strengthening systems, enablingreal-time visibility, and driving better decision-making across the entire healthcare valuechain.” The Summit also served as a platform to interrogate execution gaps in digital healthimplementation, with stakeholders calling for a shift from pilot-driven innovation toscalable, sustainable solutions that can operate at national and regional levels. Speaking at the forum, Dr Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for Medical Services,reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to leveraging digital infrastructure to advanceUniversal Health Coverage and improve service delivery across the country. “The success of Universal Health Coverage depends on the strength of the systems thatsupport it. Technology is a critical enabler in this journey – from patient identificationand service delivery to claims management and policy decision-making. Our focus must beon building integrated, secure, and scalable digital health systems that enhanceefficiency, improve accountability, and ensure that healthcare services reach everycitizen.” A key highlight of the Summit was the launch of the Inaugural Smart Summit ExcellenceAwards, designed to recognise institutions and leaders advancing healthcare access,strengthening system efficiency, and driving innovation across Africa’s healthcarelandscape. The awards aim to reinforce a culture of performance, accountability, andcontinuous improvement within the sector. Throughout the Summit, discussions emphasised four priority areas for healthcaretransformation: scaling proven digital solutions, strengthening interoperability acrosssystems, leveraging data for real-time decision-making, and enhancing accountabilityacross healthcare financing and service delivery. As healthcare systems across Africa continue to face increasing demand, rising costs, andevolving public expectations, participants underscored the importance of sustainedcollaboration between the public and private sectors. The Summit concluded with ashared commitment to accelerate implementation, strengthen partnerships, and ensurethat digital health investments translate into tangible improvements in patient outcomes. Over the past two decades, Smart Applications International has played a pivotal role inadvancing healthcare technology across Africa, delivering solutions in biometric identity,digital health platforms, and analytics. With operations spanning multiple countries, thecompany continues to partner with governments, healthcare providers, insurers, anddevelopment organisations to strengthen healthcare systems and expand access toessential services. About Smart Applications International Smart Applications International is an ISO-certified healthcare technology companyheadquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, delivering digital health, biometric identity, andanalytics platforms across Africa. With operations in multiple countries, Smart partnerswith governments, healthcare providers, insurers, and development organisations toimprove service delivery, enhance system efficiency, and expand access to essentialservices.
