AU convenes ministerial session in Johannesburg to tackle health financing crisis
African Union AU
AU convenes ministerial session in Johannesburg to tackle health financing crisis
Abdullateef Fowewe
The African Union has launched the 8th Ministerial Session of the Specialised Technical Committee on Finance, Monetary Affairs, Economic Planning, and Integration in Johannesburg, focusing on bridging the continent’s health financing gap amid shifting global economic conditions.
Held over two days at the Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre near O.R. Tambo International Airport, the session gathers ministers of finance, health, economic planning, integration, central bank governors, policymakers, and development partners.
The theme, “Bridging Africa’s Health Financing Gap in a Changing Geo-Economic Context: Challenges and Potential Solutions,” guides debates on mobilizing resources and enhancing financial integration.
Key topics include advancing AU financial institutions, adopting a harmonized Payment Services Directive for Africa (PSDA) to streamline cross-border payments, and establishing frameworks for accelerating domestic resource mobilization and tax justice in health funding.
The session will culminate in a Ministerial Declaration and the adoption of a Continental Framework for Health Financing Acceleration to build sustainable, equitable, and resilient health systems across Africa.
A closing press conference will be held on October 3 at 14:30.
