Nairobi, Kenya – 19 March 2026…. Africa’s healthcare leaders today convened in Nairobi
for the Smart Summit 2026, as stakeholders across government, healthcare, insurance,
and technology sectors called for a decisive shift from fragmented digital initiatives to
fully integrated, accountable health systems.
Hosted by Smart Applications International at the Safari Park Hotel, the fifth edition of
the Summit brought together senior decision-makers from across the continent under the
theme “Healthcare Technology for a Better World.” The forum has steadily evolved into a
premier executive platform for shaping the future of healthcare delivery through policy
alignment, system innovation, and cross-sector collaboration.
Opening the Summit, the Chairman of the Board of Smart Applications International, Mr
Andrew Musangi, emphasised the urgency of translating dialogue into action, noting that
the complexity of today’s healthcare challenges requires deeper alignment among
stakeholders.
“Over the past five years, this Summit has grown into a platform for meaningful
engagement across the healthcare ecosystem. The opportunity before us is significant,
but it demands more than conversation. It requires coordinated action, stronger
partnerships, 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 across
Africa: while investments in digital health have increased, persistent inefficiencies
continue to undermine service delivery. Participants highlighted the need to move beyond
isolated 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 Applications
International, underscored the importance of system-wide accountability, noting that the
next phase of healthcare transformation will depend on how effectively technology is
embedded in governance and operational frameworks.
“The progress we have made in expanding access to healthcare is significant, but access
alone is not enough. The next frontier is accountability – ensuring that healthcare
systems are efficient, transparent, and capable of delivering measurable outcomes.
Technology must move beyond supporting processes to strengthening systems, enabling
real-time visibility, and driving better decision-making across the entire healthcare value
chain.”
The Summit also served as a platform to interrogate execution gaps in digital health
implementation, with stakeholders calling for a shift from pilot-driven innovation to
scalable, 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 advance
Universal Health Coverage and improve service delivery across the country.
“The success of Universal Health Coverage depends on the strength of the systems that
support it. Technology is a critical enabler in this journey – from patient identification
and service delivery to claims management and policy decision-making. Our focus must be
on building integrated, secure, and scalable digital health systems that enhance
efficiency, improve accountability, and ensure that healthcare services reach every
citizen.”
A key highlight of the Summit was the launch of the Inaugural Smart Summit Excellence
Awards, designed to recognise institutions and leaders advancing healthcare access,
strengthening system efficiency, and driving innovation across Africa’s healthcare
landscape. The awards aim to reinforce a culture of performance, accountability, and
continuous improvement within the sector.
Throughout the Summit, discussions emphasised four priority areas for healthcare
transformation: scaling proven digital solutions, strengthening interoperability across
systems, leveraging data for real-time decision-making, and enhancing accountability
across healthcare financing and service delivery.
As healthcare systems across Africa continue to face increasing demand, rising costs, and
evolving public expectations, participants underscored the importance of sustained
collaboration between the public and private sectors. The Summit concluded with a
shared commitment to accelerate implementation, strengthen partnerships, and ensure
that digital health investments translate into tangible improvements in patient outcomes.
Over the past two decades, Smart Applications International has played a pivotal role in
advancing healthcare technology across Africa, delivering solutions in biometric identity,
digital health platforms, and analytics. With operations spanning multiple countries, the
company continues to partner with governments, healthcare providers, insurers, and
development organisations to strengthen healthcare systems and expand access to
essential services.
About Smart Applications International
Smart Applications International is an ISO-certified healthcare technology company
headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, delivering digital health, biometric identity, and
analytics platforms across Africa. With operations in multiple countries, Smart partners
with governments, healthcare providers, insurers, and development organisations to
improve service delivery, enhance system efficiency, and expand access to essential
services.