AMCE Achieves First Open-Heart Surgery and Lung Cancer SBRT in West Africa
Only six months after opening its doors in June 2025, the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) is already setting new benchmarks in West African healthcare. The Abuja-based facility, developed by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in partnership with King’s College Hospital London, has successfully performed its first open-heart surgery and delivered the region’s first Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for lung cancer.
The complex open-heart procedure, a Triple Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG), marks AMCE as one of the few centres in Africa offering fully integrated cardiac care – from advanced diagnostics and interventional cardiology to complex surgical procedures – all under one roof.
In its first six months, the hospital has already conducted over ten cardiac interventions, including coronary angiographies, pacemaker insertions, and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI).
On the oncology front, AMCE achieved a regional first by delivering SBRT for lung cancer, a minimally invasive radiosurgical technique that provides surgical-level precision without the need for incision. The landmark procedure treated an octogenarian with a localised tumour, utilising advanced imaging, real-time motion tracking, and personalised radiation planning.
Brian Deaver, Chief Executive Officer of AMCE, said: “Delivering our first open-heart surgery and West Africa’s first SBRT treatment is a defining moment for the centre and for healthcare across the continent. These achievements reflect the exceptional skill of our multidisciplinary teams and our commitment to providing life-saving care close to home. Africans no longer need to travel abroad for the highest standards of treatment.”
Oluranti Doherty, Managing Director of Export Development at Afreximbank, added: “AMCE’s breakthroughs demonstrate the transformative impact of investing in world-class medical infrastructure. By building local capacity, we reduce dependence on medical tourism, retain clinical expertise, and strengthen Africa’s broader health ecosystem.”
The facility currently has 170 beds, with plans to expand to 500, and boasts the largest stem cell laboratory in the region, three catheterisation laboratories, specialised imaging equipment including 3 Tesla MRI, 256-slice CT scanners, a brachytherapy machine, and an 18 MeV cyclotron. AMCE is also preparing to perform further complex cardiac procedures, including valve repairs and replacements, while offering comprehensive oncology, haematology, and general medical services.
These milestones highlight AMCE’s mission to advance high-quality healthcare in Africa, reduce the US$6–10 billion Africans spend on overseas treatment annually, and create world-class career opportunities for medical professionals on the continent.
