Health Systems in Africa from the Perspective of Identity & Entrepreneurial Value

Category

Spotlight

Pillar

Network Learning & Development

Join Prof. Nhlanhla Thwala for an exploration of how Africa can revolutionize its healthcare systems by merging indigenous systems with entrepreneurial ingenuity.   

We will delve into the strengths and limitations of both Western and Indigenous health practices and discuss how to create an integrated approach that caters to the unique needs of African communities. The session will also discuss how the African Leadership University (ALU) is leveraging research, data and entrepreneurial mindset to transform Africa’s healthcare systems and build sustainable solutions through its School of Health: Centre of Excellence in Indigenous Health Systems.   

What you’ll learn:     

• The historical context of African health systems 

• The role of cultural identity in health practices 

• Entrepreneurial solutions for Africa’s health systems 

• ALU’s leadership in health system transformation 

About the Speaker (Prof. Nhlanhla Thwala)

Prof. Nhlanhla Thwala has a distinguished 34-year career in academia and leadership. He began his career as a high school teacher in Eswatini in 1986 and holds an MA in Linguistics from Syracuse University and a PhD in Formal Linguistics from UCLA. His academic journey includes serving as a Visiting Scholar at Indiana University and holding senior positions at Wits University, where he was the founding Head of the School of Literature, Language, and Media. 

Prof. Thwala has also served as Managing Director of CTI Education Group and Academic Director at Pearson Institute. He currently holds the position of Provost and Vice Chancellor at the African Leadership University (Rwanda) and the African Leadership College of Higher Education (Mauritius). His extensive leadership experience continues to shape higher education across Africa. He represents ALU on the Africa Health Collaborative’s Executive Steering Committee as a Member and Chair designate.