Expanding training for health workers in Africa

Established in 2017, Amref International University (AMIU) is an applied health sciences university created to develop a health workforce equipped to drive equitable access to primary health care across Africa. AMIU focuses on health workforce training, health research and innovation, and extension in health sciences with an emphasis on promotive, preventive, rehabilitative, and palliative health. In 2023, it trained over 2,000 students. AMIU is part of the Amref Health Africa group, a Kenyan NGO and one of Africa’s leading health organization with the vision to make lasting health change in Africa. 

This loan to AMIU is dedicated to financing Phase Two of the construction of its new campus, located in the north of Nairobi. Construction of Phase One started in June 2023 with Amref Health Africa and its partners investing about $25 Million and is expected to be completed by February, 2025. Proparco’s financing will facilitate the timely completion of Phase Two which increases student capacity of the new campus from 2,000 students to 10,000 students in both physical and virtual learning to meet the ever increasing demand for health workforce training reflecting both local and international demand of health services. 

This project will create sustainable direct and indirect employment opportunities in Africa, by training future health workers where they are most needed. It will generate climate co-benefits, as the project will seek to be EDGE certified and will contribute to the reduction of inequalities in access to education and health on the continent. Indeed, AMIU offers scholarships and lower tuition fees than peers, focuses on integrating student cohorts coming from fragile areas and from communities in need, and has developped an accredited distance learning platform. 

The project is also eligible under the 2X Challenge. The project is contributing to SDG 3 "Good health and well being", 4 "Quality education", 5 "Gender Equality", 8 "Decent work and economic growth" and 13 "Climate action".