NAIROBI — At the Smart Summit 2026, held at Safari Park Hotel on 19th March, 2026, the message was consistent. Digital tools alone are not enough. According to the speakers at the event, what is needed, is a shift towards systems that work together and are held to account.
“Over the past five years, this Summit has grown into a platform for meaningful engagement,” said Andrew Musangi, chairman of Smart Applications International. “But the opportunity before us demands more than conversation. It requires coordinated action and stronger partnerships.”
The gathering, now in its fifth year, drew leaders from government, healthcare, insurance and technology sectors across the continent. Under the theme Healthcare Technology for a Better World, discussions focused less on innovation in isolation and more on how to make existing systems function as one.
Across Africa, investment in digital health has risen sharply. Yet many systems remain fragmented. Hospitals, insurers and government agencies often operate on separate platforms, leaving gaps in patient care and delays in decision-making.
Participants argued that the next phase must focus on integration — connecting patients, providers and policymakers through shared systems that offer real-time information.
Harrison Muiru, group managing director at Smart Applications International, said the challenge is no longer access alone.
“The progress we have made is significant,” he said. “But access is only one part of the story. The next step is accountability, making sure systems deliver results that people can see and trust.”
Government officials echoed that view. Dr Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for Medical Services, said digital infrastructure would play a central role in Kenya’s push towards universal health coverage.
“The success of universal health coverage depends on the strength of the systems behind it,” he said. “Technology must support everything from patient identification to service delivery and claims management. Our focus is on building systems that are secure, scalable and accessible to all.”
The summit also turned a critical eye on past efforts. Many speakers noted that pilot projects, while promising, often fail to expand beyond initial phases. There were calls to move towards solutions that can operate at national scale, with clear oversight and long-term support.
A new set of awards, launched during the event, aims to recognise organisations and individuals working to improve access and efficiency in healthcare. Organisers said the awards are intended to encourage higher standards and sustained progress across the sector.
Despite the optimism, there was a sense of urgency. Healthcare systems across the continent face growing pressure from rising populations, higher costs and changing expectations.
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