Health is not a secondary sector. It is one of the strongest engines of economic development.
This was the central message shared by Elisa Desbordes, Chief Executive Officer of the Ecobank Foundation, at the Choiseul Africa Business Forum 2025, held in Rabat on 4–5 November, during the panel “Health at the Heart of Growth”.
She reminded that investing in health means investing in education, jobs, productivity, and the long-term prosperity of the continent.
Health as a Direct Driver of Economic Development
In her remarks, Elisa highlighted three key realities:
health and nutrition of young children have a long-term impact on their cognitive development,
health of families directly affects the productivity of businesses,
health is intrinsic to development and can no longer be seen only as a social issue.
As she stated:
“Let’s stop seeing health only as a social issue. Let’s truly see it as a pillar for development, to help us reach our goals of productivity and prosperity.”
The Key Role of the Private Sector
Elisa also emphasised the private sector’s ability to:
test new approaches,
bring innovation and flexibility,
strengthen local solutions,
support high-impact community initiatives.
She noted that public policies and international partners play an essential role, but African businesses must also be fully involved in transforming health systems.
Highlighting Youth and Local Solutions
During the panel, she praised the work of Fatoumata B. Sonko, a young entrepreneur and recipient of the Muskoka Fund, supported by the Ecobank Foundation.
Her efforts to raise awareness among young people about nutrition challenges show how local, youth-driven solutions can respond directly to community needs. Fatoumata developed Patate Inov, an infant compote made from sweet potatoes and enriched with moringa and hibiscus, designed to reduce agricultural waste while improving child nutrition. Learn more about her project here: https://youtu.be/cslV-8cOjyk?si=9RfUWo-NY8MrbRvt
Making Health a Pillar of Africa’s Growth
The Ecobank Foundation carries a clear vision: every investment in health creates a multiplier effect on education, employment, productivity and the continent’s prosperity.
By supporting local initiatives, partnering with committed organisations and promoting African innovation, the Foundation contributes to building a continent where health becomes a true driver of sustainable and inclusive growth.