The hidden health crisis threatening Africa’s workforce and business continuity

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are rapidly emerging as one of the most significant threats to workforce health, productivity and operational resilience across Africa. Often going undetected until it's too late, these chronic conditions - including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension - are fuelling a silent crisis in workplaces.

Health experts at International SOS are sounding the alarm, sharing real-world data and case studies that reveal the scale and severity of the issue. According to findings, NCDs are responsible for a staggering 32% loss in productivity across the continent. Many of these diseases disproportionately affect younger, working-age individuals, undermining their ability to perform and contribute effectively to the workplace.

In Chad, for example, routine health screenings of one of our client’s employees at our clinic, uncovered that 30% of them were at elevated cardiovascular risk, while 55% showed abnormal blood sugar levels—early indicators of diabetes. These findings underscore the urgent need for proactive health management to safeguard workforce wellbeing and business continuity.

Nigeria presents another concerning picture. Despite a youthful population, aged largely between 20 and 45, NCDs are increasingly prevalent. Urbanisation, sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, alcohol consumption, and stress are driving this trend. “Cultural habits and changing diets, especially in urban areas, contribute to the challenge of prevention and control,” explains Dr Abraham Udoudom, Medical Director at International SOS, Nigeria.

Dr Eugenio Langa, Country Medical Director at International SOS, Angola, adds: “Chronic diseases in Africa are silent and progressive. They often go undiagnosed until complications arise. There is a pressing need for education and awareness, particularly in remote areas, to encourage early intervention and the use of workplace wellness services.”

A compelling example of the value of such programmes comes from Angola, where a health survey at an oil and gas company revealed that over 40% of employees had undiagnosed hypertension. Left unmanaged, this condition could lead to serious health issues and financial losses for both employees and employers.

“In remote regions, access to comprehensive healthcare systems is limited, and funding for NCDs remains insufficient,” says Dr Langa. “This presents a critical opportunity for employers to implement robust chronic disease management programmes—not as a tick-box exercise, but as a strategic investment in workforce resilience.”

With over one-third of health budgets in many African countries reliant on external funding, the challenge of tackling NCDs is compounded. This reality calls for a shift in perspective among employers, who must now consider strategies that reduce healthcare costs and accidents, improve morale and productivity, enhance retention and recruitment, and demonstrate a genuine commitment to employee wellbeing.

“It is expected that by 2030, NCDs will overtake communicable diseases as the leading cause of mortality,” concludes Dr Udoudom. “Fostering public-private partnerships and placing NCD prevention and management at the heart of workplace strategy is not just a health imperative—it’s an economic one. Employers have a vital role to play in building a healthier, more productive workforce and unlocking Africa’s full growth potential.”

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