Digital Transformation of Healthcare: Towards a Sovereign and Inclusive African Model
The digital transformation of the healthcare sector must be rooted in equity, universal access, and health sovereignty, both at the national and continental levels. This strong message was conveyed in Casablanca during the inaugural edition of GITEX Future Health Africa Morocco.
A Vision Aligned with Royal Guidelines
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Youns Bjijou, Delegated Director of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Science and Health (FM6SS), highlighted that this event serves as a strategic space to rethink the future of African medicine.
According to him, the restructuring of healthcare systems should rely on solid pillars that enable the construction of a sovereign, resilient, and equitable model, in line with the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
He also emphasized that health should not be viewed merely as an expense, but as a strategic investment essential for the development of nations.
The Central Role of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Science and Health
Mr. Bjijou reminded attendees that the FM6SS plays a complementary role to public authorities, particularly through:
- strengthening healthcare infrastructures,
- promoting excellence in medical training,
- supporting impactful scientific research,
- and integrating advanced technologies into the healthcare system.
Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
The official highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in the medical sector, particularly to:
- improve early diagnosis,
- optimize the quality of care,
- and develop personalized medicine.
However, he stressed an essential point: these technologies must enhance the skills of healthcare providers without replacing the human element of medical relationships.
Preventing the Digital Divide in Health
Youns Bjijou also warned of the risk of a digital divide, which could exacerbate inequalities in access to care. He called for an inclusive deployment of technological innovations to ensure equitable access to healthcare services for all citizens, regardless of geographical or social distinctions.
Toward African Health Sovereignty
Beyond the national framework, health sovereignty must also be built on an African scale. The Delegated Director advocated for enhanced cooperation among countries on the continent, based on:
- knowledge sharing,
- technology transfer,
- and the development of local skills.
He reminded attendees of the significance of the Dakhla Declaration (November 2025), regarded as a reference framework for sustainable South-South cooperation in healthcare.
A Transformation Driven by an Integrated Ecosystem
For her part, Yasmine Lahlou Filali, President of the Moroccan Federation of Pharmaceutical Industry and Innovation (FMIIP), stated that the future of the sector relies on an integrated ecosystem that brings together:
- public authorities,
- the pharmaceutical industry,
- technological actors,
- investors,
- universities,
- and startups.
She affirmed that “the health of tomorrow will be digital or it will not be,” also highlighting its industrial, sovereign, and inclusive nature.
GITEX Future Health Africa: A Strategic Platform
Organized under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, and in partnership with the FM6SS, this event is themed: “The Digitalization of the Future of Healthcare in Africa: AI for Essential Care.”
This inaugural edition aims to become a major platform for dialogue, innovation, and co-construction among decision-makers, investors, industry players, and startups, in order to accelerate the transition toward intelligent, connected, and data-driven healthcare systems in Africa.
