Webinar with techUK: breaking into the African healthcare market
11am – 12pm24 February 2026
Online
Join techUK and GITEX Future Health Africa for an exclusive webinar exploring how UK companies can access and succeed in the rapidly growing African healthcare market.
Africa’s healthcare sector is undergoing a major transformation, driven by innovation, digital health, and the adoption of AI to improve access, equity, and resilience across health systems. With the market projected to reach US$259 billion by 2030, Africa represents one of the most significant global growth opportunities for healthcare and health-tech businesses.
This webinar will provide an introduction to GITEX Future Health Africa, the continent’s leading platform for healthcare innovation, investment, and public-private collaboration. Taking place in Casablanca from 4–6 May, the event convenes healthcare regulators, policymakers, innovators, investors, and providers from across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
Through this session, attendees will:
Gain insight into the African healthcare landscape and key market opportunities
Understand how UK companies can engage with African stakeholders and decision-makers
Learn more about GITEX Future Health Africa and the opportunities it offers for market entry, partnership, and visibility
Explore how innovation, AI, and digital health are shaping the future of care delivery across the continent
The webinar will also highlight the breadth of the GITEX Future Health Africa programme, including its high-level summit, healthcare showcase, innovation lab, investor programme, workshops, and startup pitching opportunities.
This session is ideal for techUK members and UK organisations interested in expanding into African markets, building partnerships, and contributing to the development of smart, inclusive, and resilient healthcare systems across the continent.
Robert Walker
Head of Health & Social Care, techUK
Robert Walker
Head of Health & Social Care, techUK
Robert joined techUK in October 2022, where he is now Programme Manager for Health and Social Care.
Robert previously worked at the Pension Protection Fund, within the policy and public affairs team. Prior to this, he worked at the Scottish Parliament, advising politicians and industry stakeholders on a wide range of issues, including rural crime and health policies.
Robert has a degree in Politics and International Relations (MA Hons) from the University of Aberdeen, with a particular focus on strategic studies and energy security. Outside of work he enjoys activities such as running, rugby, boxing and cooking!
Rachel joined techUK in December 2024, as a Programme Manager in the Health and Social Care team.
Prior to this, Rachel worked at a specialist health and social care public affairs agency, working with a range of organisations and trade bodies across the medical technology, pharmaceutical, digital health and social care sectors. As well as this, Rachel was part of the Secretariat for a number of health and care related All-Party Parliamentary Groups.
Rachel has a Masters in Global Governance and Diplomacy from the University of Leeds, as well as a first-class honours in Politics BA from Newcastle University.
Lewis Stewart
Programme Manager ‑ Health and Social Care, techUK
Lewis Stewart
Programme Manager ‑ Health and Social Care, techUK
Lewis brings a multidisciplinary background spanning health policy, stakeholder engagement, digital innovation, and elite sport. A former Commonwealth Games champion, he draws on the resilience, adaptability, and team-driven mindset gained through years of high-performance competition.
Before joining techUK, Lewis supported a Member of Parliament in the House of Commons, where he led on constituency engagement and produced evidence-based research to inform debates, committee work, and policy advocacy. He has also helped shape youth wellbeing policy through the Youth Sport Trust, collaborating with government, education, and grassroots networks to drive impact.
Lewis has played key roles in health tech and mobility startups, helping to bring innovative solutions to market and improve user experience in complex systems. With a degree in Biochemistry and Pharmacology, he combines analytical thinking with a passion for evidence-led, people-centred change.
Junior Programme Manager, Health and Care Team, techUK
Viola Pastorino
Junior Programme Manager, Health and Care Team, techUK
Viola Pastorino is a policy, governance, and strategic communication specialist.
She joined techUK as the Junior Programme Manager in the Health and Care Team in April 2024.
She has obtained a Bachelor of Sciences in Governance, Economics, and Development from Leiden University, and a Master's programme in Strategic Communications at King's College London. Her academic background, leading up to a dissertation on AI policy influence and hands-on campaign development, is complemented by practical experience in international PR and grassroots project management.
She is skilled in qualitative and quantitative analysis and comfortable communicating findings to varying stakeholders. Above all, she is deeply passionate about the intersection of technology and government, especially how technology and global discourse shape one another, the processes that lead to belief polarisation and radicalisation of communities, and crafting strategic narratives that steer public discourse.
Outside of work she loves reading, live music light operation, and diving.
Health and Social Care Programme activities
techUK is helping its members navigate the complex space of digital health in the UK to ensure our NHS and social care sector is prepared for the challenges of the future. We help validate new ideas and build impactful strategies, ultimately ensuring that members are market-ready. Visit the programme page here.
Find out more about the Health & Social Care Programme at techUK
Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.
