ABUJA, Nigeria – President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Dr George Elombi, has reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to advancing healthcare sovereignty across Africa during a visit to the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) in Abuja, describing the facility as proof that world-class specialist healthcare can be built and sustained on the continent.
Dr Elombi visited the Centre on July 3, 2026, as part of his working tour of Nigeria and the wider region, where he reviewed AMCE’s first-year performance and received updates on its clinical achievements, operational progress and future expansion plans.
Okay News reports that the African Medical Centre of Excellence was established by Afreximbank in partnership with King’s College Hospital, London, to strengthen specialist healthcare delivery in Africa, expand medical research and education, reduce dependence on overseas treatment and support the continent’s long-term healthcare independence.
Within just one year of operation, the Centre has registered more than 5,000 patients from over 20 countries spanning four continents, reinforcing its emergence as a regional referral hub for advanced specialist healthcare.
The hospital has also recorded several landmark medical achievements, including delivering West Africa’s first Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for lung cancer using a highly targeted non-invasive treatment technique that previously required many patients to seek care abroad.
AMCE also completed its first Triple Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) procedure, demonstrating the availability of advanced cardiac surgery within Africa, while successfully carrying out two stem cell transplants during its inaugural year.
According to the Centre, its advanced laboratory has processed more than 40,000 diagnostic tests and investigations, completed 10 open-heart surgeries, performed 11 cardiac surgical procedures, carried out 99 catheterisation laboratory procedures, and delivered 173 anaesthesia-supported procedures within its first year of operation.
The hospital has equally expanded its diagnostic capabilities through the commencement of Nuclear Medicine Services, with Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography (SPECT/CT) now available for bone scans, renograms and perfusion scans. Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) services are expected to begin later this year.
Speaking during the visit, Dr Elombi described the Centre’s rapid progress as a demonstration of Africa’s ability to build globally competitive healthcare institutions.
“The success of this Centre reflects the depth of talent assembled here and the pan-African spirit that underpins its service. The vision that inspired the conception and construction of this facility is the same conviction now being carried forward by the medical professionals delivering care to the continent,” he said.
He added that AMCE represents far more than a modern medical facility, noting that it strengthens Africa’s capacity to take ownership of its healthcare future.
“The AMCE provides health services and advances Africa’s health sovereignty while affirming our collective capacity to take responsibility for our own lives and future. The AMCE is a world-class quaternary healthcare facility delivering medical services of a standard that many would previously have sought beyond the continent. Nigerians, and citizens across Africa, must take full advantage of this facility, built by African institutions with the steadfast support of our governments,” Elombi stated.
The Chief Executive Officer of AMCE, Brian Deaver, said the visit by the Afreximbank President reflects the remarkable progress the Centre has made within a relatively short period.
“Our progress, from pioneering clinical achievements to earning growing trust across the region, demonstrates that Africa can build and sustain world-class centres of excellence. With Afreximbank’s continued vision and support, we remain committed to advancing patient care, research, education and innovation to strengthen health systems across the continent,” Deaver said.
During the visit, Dr Elombi toured several clinical departments, interacted with healthcare professionals and other members of staff, and commended employees for their dedication to establishing a new benchmark for specialist healthcare delivery in Africa.
The Centre currently employs more than 600 clinical and non-clinical professionals representing 12 nationalities, reflecting its growing reputation as an employer attracting highly skilled healthcare talent from across the continent and beyond.
Earlier this year, AMCE also received the Great Place to Work® Certification, with 90 per cent of employees affirming that the institution provides an excellent working environment.
