𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝟏𝟎 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: Best Healthcare System

Health systems across Africa are undergoing profound transformation. From new hospital infrastructure to increasing research output, many countries are redefining what quality healthcare means in the region. In 2025, the AD Scientific Index, a global academic performance tool, released its latest evaluation of hospitals across Africa, ranking them by total research citations — a measure of their scientific impact and contribution to medical knowledge.

This list of the Top 10 African Hospitals reflects not only clinical excellence but also the research strength that supports innovation, training, and advanced care.

1. Korle Bu Teaching Hospital — Accra, Ghana

Founded in 1923, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital is Ghana’s largest and most sophisticated medical facility, serving as the main teaching hospital of the University of Ghana Medical School. With a capacity exceeding 2,000 beds, it is the third-largest hospital in Africa. The institution hosts major departments in cardiothoracic surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, infectious diseases, nephrology, and oncology.
Its National Cardiothoracic Center, established by renowned surgeon Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, remains one of the most advanced in West Africa. The hospital also leads in public health research and postgraduate medical training.

Getting there: Located in the Korle Gonno district of Accra, about 15 km from Kotoka International Airport, the hospital is a 25–30 minute drive via Guggisberg Avenue. The nearest landmark is the Korle Lagoon, and taxis or ride-hailing apps provide direct access.

2. Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) — Kano, Nigeria

AKTH, affiliated with Bayero University, was established in 1988 and has grown into a major tertiary center with around 800 beds. It is especially known for pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, internal medicine, and surgery. The hospital has developed specialist clinics for diabetes, nephrology, ophthalmology, and infectious diseases.
AKTH also hosts the Kano Centre for Advanced Medical Research, which contributes to Nigeria’s leading studies in tropical and communicable diseases.

Getting there: Situated about 10 km from Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, the hospital can be reached in 15–20 minutes by car along Zaria Road. Nearby landmarks include Bayero University and the Kano Zoological Gardens.

3. Groote Schuur Hospital — Cape Town, South Africa

Founded in 1938, Groote Schuur Hospital is a world-famous institution with a bed capacity of roughly 1,000. It is best known for performing the world’s first human heart transplant under Dr. Christiaan Barnard in 1967.
Today, Groote Schuur continues to lead in cardiothoracic surgery, oncology, renal medicine, HIV/AIDS treatment, and trauma care. As a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Cape Town, it houses numerous research units in collaboration with international medical centers.
Getting there: Located on Main Road in Observatory, Cape Town, it is only 13 km from Cape Town International Airport and about 10 minutes from the University of Cape Town campus. The hospital overlooks the city with Table Mountain as a visible backdrop.

4. Mansoura University Hospitals — Mansoura, Egypt

Founded in 1965, this network of hospitals is part of Mansoura University’s Faculty of Medicine. It is one of the largest university medical complexes in Egypt, with over 3,000 beds across multiple facilities.
The Urology and Nephrology Center is particularly famous for kidney transplants and research on renal diseases. Other strong departments include oncology, cardiac surgery, and endocrinology. Mansoura’s hospitals serve patients from across the Middle East and North Africa, reflecting Egypt’s reputation as a destination for specialized treatment.
Getting there: Located on El-Gomhoria Street in Mansoura city, the hospital is approximately 120 km northeast of Cairo, reachable by car in about two hours. The nearest major landmark is Mansoura University campus, with public buses and trains providing regular service from Cairo.

5. Assiut University Hospital — Assiut, Egypt

Established in 1984, Assiut University Hospital is the largest hospital in Upper Egypt, with a capacity exceeding 1,700 beds. It specializes in trauma care, neurosurgery, orthopedics, and emergency medicine, reflecting its strategic location serving rural and industrial communities.
The hospital’s Neurosurgical and Spinal Injury Center is one of Egypt’s most advanced, and its public health research programs often address injury prevention and rural health challenges.
Getting there: Located near the Nile Corniche in Assiut city, about 375 km south of Cairo, it is accessible via the Assiut International Airport (a 10-minute drive) or train from Cairo’s Ramses Station (a 4–5 hour journey).

6. Tygerberg Hospital — Cape Town, South Africa

Opened in 1976, Tygerberg Hospital is one of South Africa’s largest healthcare facilities with about 1,900 beds. It serves as the main teaching hospital of Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
The hospital is known for excellence in pediatric medicine, HIV/AIDS research, internal medicine, and surgical oncology. It also houses one of the most active clinical research units in South Africa, partnering with international health organizations.
Getting there: Tygerberg Hospital is located in Parow Valley, roughly 12 km from Cape Town International Airport. The Tygerberg train station is just 1 km away, and the University of the Western Cape lies nearby.

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7. University College Hospital (UCH) — Ibadan, Nigeria

Established in 1957, UCH Ibadan was the first teaching hospital in Nigeria, with a current capacity of about 1,000 beds and more than 60 departments and units. It is affiliated with the University of Ibadan, West Africa’s oldest university.
UCH offers specialized services in cardiology, neurology, endocrinology, oncology, and infectious diseases. It also houses Nigeria’s first Comprehensive Cancer Centre, inaugurated in 2020, and serves as a major research base for tropical medicine.
Getting there: Located on Queen Elizabeth Road, about 90 minutes by car from Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Lagos) via the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The Cocoa House Tower and Mapo Hall are nearby landmarks in the city.

8. Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Ibn Rochd — Casablanca, Morocco

Ibn Rochd University Hospital is one of Morocco’s largest healthcare institutions, part of the University Hassan II of Casablanca. The complex has around 1,500 beds distributed across multiple specialty hospitals, including those for pediatrics, maternity, and psychiatry.
It is recognized for research and care in internal medicine, infectious diseases, cardiology, and surgery, and often collaborates with international health networks on clinical trials.
Getting there: Situated in central Casablanca on Rue des Hôpitaux, the hospital is about 30 km from Mohammed V International Airport (25–30 minutes by car). The Casa Voyageurs train station and Hassan II Mosque are nearby.

9. Aga Khan University Hospital — Nairobi, Kenya

Opened in 1958, the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) is a private, not-for-profit institution and one of East Africa’s most respected hospitals. With a bed capacity of around 300, it combines tertiary-level services with teaching and research programs linked to the Aga Khan University’s Faculty of Health Sciences.
The hospital’s specialities include oncology, cardiology, neurology, orthopedic surgery, and maternal-fetal medicine. It is also a regional referral center for complex diagnostics and advanced imaging.
Getting there: Located on 3rd Parklands Avenue, approximately 20 km from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, AKUH is easily accessible via Thika Road. The National Museum of Kenya and the UN Complex in Gigiri are close landmarks.

10. Centre Hospitalier Ibn Sina (Mohammed V Hospital Complex) — Rabat, Morocco

The Ibn Sina Hospital Complex, also known as the Mohammed V Hospital, is one of Morocco’s leading medical and academic centers, with around 2,000 beds across its specialized institutions.
It offers services in cardiology, oncology, nephrology, emergency care, and neurosurgery, and functions as a referral point for complex procedures nationwide. The hospital’s collaborations with the Mohammed V University Faculty of Medicine have generated extensive research on non-communicable diseases and medical education.
Getting there: Centrally located on Avenue Ibn Sina, the complex is about 10 km from Rabat-Salé International Airport. The Royal Palace of Rabat and Chellah archaeological site are within a short drive, making it easily reachable from the city’s main landmarks.

Growth of Hospital Infrastructure in Africa

While a few countries dominate research-based rankings, hospital infrastructure is expanding rapidly across the continent. Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Kenya, and Ethiopia have some of the largest numbers of medical facilities. These countries are working to bridge the gap between access and quality, investing in both basic healthcare and advanced tertiary centers.

Major ongoing hospital projects

• New Capital Hospital City — Egypt: A $800 million mega-project forming part of Cairo’s new administrative capital. Once completed, it will host thousands of beds and specialized units.
• African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) — Abuja, Nigeria: A 500-bed facility backed by international partnerships, designed to provide world-class care and serve as a training and research hub.
• Tygerberg Hospital Redevelopment — South Africa: A long-term modernization project to expand capacity and improve tertiary care for the Western Cape.

These initiatives reflect a continental trend: combining public funding, private investment, and academic collaboration to modernize healthcare.

Best Hospitals in West Africa

West Africa’s healthcare landscape is led by teaching and referral hospitals that combine academic strength with service delivery. Among the most respected are:

• Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (Ghana) — the region’s flagship for tertiary care.
• University College Hospital Ibadan (Nigeria) — pioneer in training and research.
• Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (Nigeria) — a growing academic force in northern Nigeria.
• Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (Ghana) — another major Ghanaian center advancing maternal and child health.

These institutions not only treat millions but also contribute to scientific publications and train the next generation of doctors and nurses.

South Africa’s Leading Hospitals

South Africa continues to lead in clinical excellence and research depth. Beyond Groote Schuur and Tygerberg, several others stand out nationally:

• Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (Johannesburg): One of the largest hospitals in the world by bed count, serving Soweto and training thousands of health professionals.
• Steve Biko Academic Hospital (Pretoria): A major teaching hospital linked to the University of Pretoria.
• Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (Durban): Known for advanced diagnostic technology and specialized surgical care.

Together, these facilities form the backbone of southern Africa’s tertiary healthcare network.

Investment and the Future of African Healthcare

African healthcare is increasingly seen as both a social priority and an economic opportunity. The continent’s population is young, urbanizing rapidly, and demanding better healthcare services. Governments and investors are responding with ambitious projects, digital health innovations, and cross-border collaborations.

Countries such as Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya, Morocco, and South Africa are setting examples of how public–private partnerships can transform the medical landscape. The growth of local pharmaceutical production, the expansion of medical tourism, and the rise of health-tech startups all point to a dynamic, fast-changing future.

The 2025 ranking of African hospitals highlights more than numbers — it tells the story of a continent investing in science, education, and human capital. From Accra to Cape Town and Cairo to Nairobi, hospitals are no longer just places of treatment; they are centers of learning, innovation, and progress.

As Africa continues to build and modernize, its hospitals will remain at the heart of that transformation — healing, educating, and inspiring generations to come.