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.
More News & Events
Skip scroller content
#IWD2026: Give to Gain—The Ripple Effect of Investing in Women Leaders in Global Health
Read about how fellows from the Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship are leading and strengthening health systems across Africa.

FemSTEM Africa 2026: Kickoff Event & Panel
Join Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) & U of T on Tuesday, March 31 as we kickoff the FemSTEM Africa 2026 event series!

Program Manager, Africa Health Collaborative
Apply for the Program Manager role at the Africa Health Collaborative. Closing date is March 20, 2026.

Apply for the Introduction to Public Policy Summer Course by Ashesi University
This opportunity is open to alumni and graduating students from our Africa Health Collaborative partner universities.

Towards Integrated, Person-Centered Primary Health Care in South Africa
Join policy makers, health implementers, NGOs, civil society actors, and academic leaders to learn from one of South Africa’s foremost health system leaders about building stronger and more responsive primary health care systems.

From Clinics to Communities: Rethinking Maternal and Newborn Health in Africa
Dr. Henry Kilonzo explores evidence-based lessons from Kenya and Ethiopia about redesigning health systems for safe motherhood.

Building Inclusive Health Systems for People in Contact with the Criminal Justice System in Africa
Join this webinar to explore how Africa can build inclusive health systems that protect the dignity, safety, and well‑being of people who come into contact with the criminal justice system.
Dignity, Data, and Disruption in Africa’s Health Systems: A Young Leader’s Reflection
John Nyagaka, a Mastercard Foundation Scholar and AHC Young Leaders Table Chair, reflects on his transformative experience at the 2025 Annual Convening.

What Works: Improving Maternal and Newborn Health in Kenya and Ethiopia
Join this webinar to explore how community-led systems and digital innovations, in partnership with local leaders, are scaling sustainable healthcare impact and delivering life-saving care for mothers and their newborns.

Apply for the AIMS Master’s in Mathematical Epidemiology (MathEpi) Scholarship
Apply for the 2025 AIMS MathEpi Master’s program. Fully funded scholarships for African students in statistics and public health. Deadline: March 15.
