Breast cancer represents not only a major public health challenge in Africa, but also a heavy economic burden for states. According to an analysis by the WifOR Institute, the aggressive form of HER2+ breast cancer, responsible for approximately 20% of cases on the continent, resulted in more than $10 billion in lost productivity in seven African countries between 2017 and 2023.

The study, which focused on Algeria, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, and Tunisia, shows that these losses are largely linked to the impact of the disease on the female working population. Nearly 90% of the economic losses affect women in their prime working years, highlighting the direct impact of breast cancer on the economic growth and stability of the countries concerned.

Women's health, an economic lever

The results indicate that investing in healthcare, particularly in innovative cancer treatments, can generate significant economic returns. The study reveals that every dollar invested in innovative treatments can yield up to $12.40 in economic benefits, primarily through the restoration of patients' ability to work. For Maturin Tchoumi, Head of International Pharma at Roche in Africa, the data is unequivocal. "Breast cancer poses a growing threat to African societies and economies. The data clearly demonstrates that investing in women's health is not a cost or a social expense, but a powerful economic driver that supports productivity, resilience, equity, and sustainable growth across the continent," he stated.

Addressing the diagnostic gap

Beyond the economic implications, the issue of equitable access to healthcare remains central. In Africa, nearly 77% of women are diagnosed with breast cancer at an advanced stage, when the disease is more difficult and costly to treat. Experts believe that improving screening and early diagnosis is a priority to ensure equitable access to care, regardless of where patients live or their income level. In this regard, innovative initiatives are already emerging. The EMPOWER initiative in Kenya demonstrates how public-private partnerships and digital solutions can transform women's healthcare and serve as a model for other African countries.

Strengthening the resilience of health systems

The discussions also highlighted several initiatives aimed at strengthening African health systems. Among them are Women's Integrated Care Services (WICs), pilot programs deployed in Kenya and Côte d'Ivoire that integrate women's cancer services into primary healthcare to improve the efficiency of care.

The speakers also discussed efforts to improve pandemic preparedness, including through the development of sustainable diagnostic infrastructure, the establishment of laboratory networks and the strengthening of scientific research conducted on the continent, particularly in the fields of genomics and local research.

Health, a pillar of economic growth

These findings were presented at Africa Press Day 2026, held in Nairobi. The event brought together journalists from nine African countries, as well as policymakers and health experts, around the theme: “Health is Wealth.” Discussions highlighted the strategic role of investing in women’s health to support the continent’s economic growth.

Participants argued that African governments should now view health spending not as a mere social burden, but as a genuine, transformative economic policy capable of strengthening human capital, boosting productivity, and building more resilient economies. According to the speakers, strategic investment in the health of African women could unlock billions of dollars in economic growth while saving lives and strengthening communities.