Questions and Answers

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Why did IFC do this report, what was the goal, and where is it available?

What are the key findings?

How is IFC responding to the findings? What are the main elements of IFC’s strategy?


Why is IFC involved in health care? Isn’t that what governments do?


Does the report advocate privatizing health care systems in Africa? Does IFC advocate that?

Many in the public health community oppose private sector involvement in health. What is IFC's view?

What will prevent medical professionals in public sector hospitals from leaving for better-paying jobs in the private sector?

Doesn’t Africa’s private health sector mainly serve the rich?

Do private sector clinics and hospitals offer free or subsidized services for Africa’s poor?

What is IFC’s view on user fees in health care?

Is collaborating with foundations a new trend for IFC? How is the Gates Foundation involved in this report?

Who is your target audience? What kind of partners are you looking for?

What organizations do you expect will participate in the equity vehicle?

What kinds of opportunities do you see for investors?

What kind of investors do you think will be needed to grow the region’s private health sector?

• The vast range of financial and development opportunities that the health industry presents will require significant involvement by all parts of the investor community. This includes private and angel investors as well as donors and double-bottom-line investors.
• Private investors might find sustained industry growth, combined with opportunities for consolidation, particularly appealing.
• Double-bottom line investors – such as development finance institutions and foundations – could collaborate to provide "patient capital" that will achieve financial returns over the longer term while delivering significant development impact.