African Healthtech has 24 months to ‘out-localise’ ChatGPT before window closes
- OpenAI launched ChatGPT Health in January 2026, backed by 260 physicians across 60 countries.
- The African healthtech ecosystem faces challenges due to the reliance on Western data, which does not address local health issues.
- Nigerians are part of the 40 million daily medical queries OpenAI reports globally, with many using AI for pre-consultation.
The emergence of local healthtech startups in Africa represents a critical shift in how healthcare can be delivered in regions often overlooked by global AI solutions. While the challenges posed by global models are significant, the potential for localized, context-aware AI to improve health outcomes is immense. This discussion should focus on how these startups can scale effectively while maintaining trust and credibility within their communities.
