Focusing on the rising impact of non-communicable diseases (NCD) and their threat to Africa’s productivity and long-term economic resilience, the Business20 (B20) South Africa Dialogue on Health in Africa took place on November 21 at The Wanderers Club.

Held just after the conclusion of the B20 presidency handover, the dialogue helped position Africa’s health priorities ahead of G20 discussions.

Opening the event, Dr Stavros Nicolaou, of Aspen Pharmacare, framed NCDs as a critical business issue.

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“We are not only dealing with a health crisis. We are dealing with an economic challenge that could undermine the continent’s competitiveness if we fail to act.”

Speakers included Africa Centre for Disease Control director general Dr Jean Kaseya, South Africa’s Deputy Director General of Health Dr Anban Pillay, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development deputy director Mark Pearson, and senior representatives from Bayer, Novo Nordisk, Wits University, and MSD.

Their discussions centred on innovation, financing, and access to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Kaseya stressed that Africa cannot pursue industrial growth without strengthening health systems.

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“You cannot build economic security without health security.” He urged governments and the private sector to view NCDs as part of broader development planning.

Participants emphasised the need for more robust digital tools, more sustainable funding models, and policies that expand access to essential medicines.

The dialogue closed with a call for deeper collaboration across sectors.

As Nicolaou summed up, Africa’s economic ambitions depend on a healthier, more resilient workforce. This is not a conversation we can postpone.

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