Africa is set to take center stage in global mental health discussions next year as researchers, policymakers, innovators, and people with lived experience prepare to gather in Nairobi for the Global Mental Health Africa Conference 2027 (GMHAC2027).
Organised by the Science for Africa (SFA) Foundation in partnership with the Mental Health Innovation Network (MHIN) at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, with support from Wellcome, the conference will take place from 8–10 February 2027 under the theme, "Together for Mental Health: African Leadership, Global Impact."
The event signals a growing shift in global health conversations, positioning African institutions and researchers not merely as participants but as leaders shaping the future of mental health policy, research, and innovation.
The conference comes at a time when mental health challenges are intensifying worldwide. More than one billion people are estimated to live with mental health conditions globally, while approximately 332 million people experience depression. Despite the rising burden, investment in mental healthcare remains critically low in many low- and middle-income countries, leaving millions without access to essential services.
GMHAC2027 aims to elevate African perspectives and locally developed solutions that can inform mental health systems both across the continent and internationally.
"This conference will showcase African-led mental health research and innovation, highlighting locally driven solutions with relevance both regionally and globally," said Dr. Tom Kariuki, Chief Executive Officer of the SFA Foundation.
"By convening diverse stakeholders, it will amplify African contributions to global mental health, foster South-to-South exchange, and strengthen connections between research, practice, and policy, building momentum for stronger mental health systems and greater investment across Africa," he added.
The three-day gathering will focus on four major themes: expanding access to quality mental healthcare, leadership and lived experience, policy and financing, and emerging innovations in African mental health research.
The programme will include scientific presentations, policy dialogues, training workshops, site visits, and an innovation fair designed to showcase scalable mental health solutions developed across the continent.
According to Dr. Petra Gronholm, Principal Investigator at MHIN and Assistant Professor at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, the innovation platform will provide opportunities for African innovators to build partnerships and accelerate the adoption of evidence-based interventions.
The conference also seeks to promote a more integrated approach to mental health, recognising its links to broader social, economic, and development challenges.
Beyond academic discussions, organisers expect the conference to strengthen regional and international collaborations, support policy reforms, and accelerate investment in locally led mental health initiatives.
Photo courtesy of: SFA Foundation
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