Swiss healthcare company Roche Diagnostics has inaugurated a new legal entity in Nigeria, aiming to improve access to innovative healthcare and strengthen diagnostic capabilities across West Africa. The announcement was made by Roberto Taboada, Country Manager for Roche Diagnostics Africa, during an event in Lagos. He described the move as “a significant step toward achieving sustainable healthcare transformation in Nigeria.”
This expansion aligns with Roche’s 10-year diagnostics strategy for Africa, which seeks to increase access to in vitro diagnostics tenfold. Taboada highlighted the disparity in healthcare resources, noting that Africa, home to over 1.5 billion people, bears 25% of the global health burden but receives only 1% of the global health budget and is served by just 3% of the global health workforce.
The newly launched Nigerian entity will serve as a regional hub for Roche’s operations across Anglophone West Africa, ensuring faster access to its diagnostic solutions. This strategic move aims to engage directly with customers, strengthen partnerships with healthcare providers, improve supply chain efficiency, and ultimately support Nigeria’s journey to universal health coverage.
Jonathan Keytel, Director of Strategy and Innovation for Africa at Roche Diagnostics, emphasized Nigeria’s critical role in the company’s long-term vision for healthcare on the continent. He stated that the 10x strategy is centered on organizational growth, increased access to diagnostics, and innovative business models tailored to African realities. The establishment of the Nigerian affiliate is expected to enhance Roche’s proximity to its customers and partners, improving logistics, supply chains, and turnaround times.
Keytel further noted that Roche’s presence in Nigeria would facilitate faster diagnoses and earlier treatments, leading to improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. He emphasized that the company’s approach is about building resilient health systems and co-creating solutions that are effective within the Nigerian context.
The expansion also aims to strengthen Roche’s collaboration with governments, civil society, and the broader healthcare ecosystem. Keytel concluded that this launch reinforces Roche’s commitment to delivering innovative diagnostic solutions that enhance healthcare outcomes for patients where they are needed most.
This development marks a significant milestone in Roche Diagnostics’ efforts to contribute to the improvement of healthcare infrastructure and access in Nigeria and the broader West African region.
