6 May 2026
2nd Africa Health Workforce Investment Forum, 6 – 8 May 2026, Accra, Ghana
6 – 8 May 2026 · Accra, Ghana
2nd Africa Health Workforce Investment Forum
“Africa’s Health Workforce: From Words to Action – Plan. Train. Retain.”
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Overview
The 2nd Africa Health Workforce Investment Forum (AHWIF) will take place from 6 to 8 May 2026 in Accra, Ghana, bringing together heads of state, ministers, global health leaders, development partners, and private sector stakeholders.
Organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government of Ghana, this high-level forum aims to accelerate implementation of the Africa Health Workforce Investment Charter, adopted at the 1st Forum in May 2024.
The Forum provides a critical platform to transition from commitments to concrete investments in Africa’s health workforce — addressing the continent’s most pressing health system challenge.
Why this forum matters
Africa faces an unprecedented health workforce crisis that demands urgent and coordinated action.
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Health worker shortfall projected by 2030
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Unemployment or underemployment among health graduates
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Budget shortfall for health workforce plans
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Of health workers express intention to migrate
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Estimated cost per migrating doctor to the country of origin
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Countries will not meet SDG health targets without workforce investment
Building on the Africa Health Workforce Investment Charter
At the 1st Africa Health Workforce Investment Forum in Kigali (May 2024), African leaders adopted the Africa Health Workforce Investment Charter — a landmark commitment to transform health workforce development across the continent.
The 2nd Forum will assess progress, share country experiences, and catalyse new commitments to turn the Charter’s vision into reality.
Read the CharterObjectives
The Forum seeks to advance the Africa Health Workforce Investment Charter from commitment to concrete action by creating a dynamic platform for accountability, innovation and partnership.
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Review and accountability
Assess the status of implementation of the Africa Health Workforce Investment Charter across Member States and identify enablers, barriers and lessons learned.
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Share and innovate
Showcase country-level progress, innovative health workforce models and evidence-based approaches for workforce planning, education and retention.
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Catalyse new commitments
Mobilize new political, financial and technical commitments from governments, partners and the private sector to accelerate investment in the health workforce.
Three strategic pillars
Plan
Strengthening health workforce planning and governance through evidence-based strategies, improved data systems and aligned investment frameworks to match workforce supply with population health needs.
Train
Expanding and transforming health workforce education to produce competent, fit-for-purpose professionals through modernized curricula, accreditation standards and innovative training modalities.
Retain
Improving health worker retention through better working conditions, competitive remuneration, career development opportunities, and addressing the root causes of health worker migration.
Expected outcomes
Comprehensive review of Charter implementation with a clear accountability framework
New political and financial commitments from governments, development partners and private sector
Endorsed roadmap for accelerating health workforce investment across the African Region
Strengthened multi-stakeholder partnerships for health workforce development
Knowledge exchange on innovative and evidence-based approaches
Enhanced public awareness and advocacy for health workforce investment in Africa
Participants
Heads of state and government
Ministers of health, finance and education
Development partners and international organizations
Private sector, academia and civil society
Programme
Day 1
6 May 2026
Setting the scene
Opening ceremony, keynote addresses and high-level plenary on the state of Africa’s health workforce. Review of Charter implementation progress.
Day 2
7 May 2026
Deep dives and innovation
Thematic sessions on the three strategic pillars — Plan, Train, Retain. Country showcases, innovation marketplace and partner roundtables.
Day 3
8 May 2026
Commitments and way forward
Commitment ceremony, adoption of the Accra roadmap for health workforce investment, and closing high-level plenary.
Join us in Accra
Together, let us transform Africa’s health workforce — from words to action.
6 – 8 May 2026 · Accra, Ghana