In Summary
- Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in South Africa leading the list, followed by Kenyatta National Hospital in Kenya and Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana.
- The hospitals provide specialized services across multiple medical disciplines, including cardiology, oncology, pediatrics, and trauma care.
- Beyond patient care, these hospitals play a crucial role in medical education, training thousands of doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals, while contributing to research and innovations in healthcare delivery across the continent.
Deep Dive!!
Africa’s healthcare landscape is as diverse as its population, with hospitals ranging from small community clinics to sprawling medical complexes that serve millions. In recent years, the continent has witnessed significant investments in healthcare infrastructure, driven by population growth, urbanization, and the rising demand for specialized medical services. The largest hospitals in Africa not only provide critical healthcare to vast communities but also serve as centers for medical education, research, and innovation, shaping the future of healthcare across the region.
These hospitals are characterized by their impressive bed capacities, advanced medical technologies, and wide-ranging clinical services. They act as national referral centers, often handling complex cases that smaller facilities cannot accommodate. Beyond patient care, they are pivotal in training the next generation of doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals, contributing to the development of sustainable healthcare systems in Africa. The scale and sophistication of these institutions make them comparable to some of the largest hospitals globally.
This article highlights the top 10 largest hospitals in Africa in 2025, ranked by bed capacity and scope of services. From sprawling teaching hospitals in South Africa to national referral centers in East and West Africa, these facilities exemplify the continent’s commitment to advancing healthcare delivery. By examining these institutions, we gain insight into the infrastructure, capabilities, and impact of Africa’s most significant medical establishments, showcasing how they continue to meet the growing healthcare needs of millions across the continent.
10. Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Nigeria
Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) remains one of Nigeria’s largest and most influential tertiary hospitals in 2025, operating as the principal teaching hospital for the College of Medicine, University of Lagos. Official hospital profiles and public records place LUTH’s bed complement in thehigh 700s to mid-900s,with widely cited institutional figures listingaround 950 beds, a number that reflects both licensed and operational bed spaces across its Idi-Araba campus and affiliated clinics. This scale positions LUTH as Nigeria’s single largest teaching hospital and a critical referral centre for Lagos State’s roughly 25 million residents and neighbouring populations.
Over the last two years the hospital has been the focus of concentrated capital investment and renovation projects aimed at increasing capacity and modernizing key clinical units. In early 2024 the Federal Government approved an immediate upgrade programme covering major teaching hospitals nationwide, an initiative that included LUTH and helped unlock funding for rehabilitation of high-use wards and technical upgrades. LUTH’s own communications document the commissioning of multiple projects, including refurbishments to major wards and enhanced theatre and neonatal facilities, that have both improved service delivery and marginally expanded usable bed space through the re-activation of previously under-serviced areas.
Clinically, LUTH continues to offer a broad tertiary service mix, from complex surgical and oncology care to neonatal intensive care and advanced diagnostic services, which underpins its heavy referral load. Recent press releases highlight targeted upgrades to the labour ward, operating theatres and the neonatal unit (including new incubators and phototherapy machines), investments that directly strengthen maternal-child health capacity and reduce the need to transfer high-risk mothers and infants to other centres. These enhancements, alongside ongoing capital works on major ward blocks, reflect a strategic alignment toward higher acuity care while preserving LUTH’s role as a major training ground for Nigeria’s next generation of clinicians.
9. Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
Groote Schuur Hospital, situated in Cape Town, South Africa, stands as one of the continent’s premier medical institutions in 2025. Established in 1938, it gained international acclaim in 1967 when Dr. Christiaan Barnard performed the world’s first successful human heart transplant. Today, the hospital continues to be a cornerstone of medical excellence, affiliated with the University of Cape Town’s Faculty of Health Sciences. It serves as a major referral center for the Western Cape region, providing comprehensive tertiary and quaternary care across various specialties.
As of 2025, Groote Schuur Hospital operates with a bed capacity of approximately893 beds, making it one of the largest hospitals in Africa. This capacity supports the hospital’s extensive clinical services, which include trauma care, cardiothoracic surgery, oncology, and neurosurgery. The hospital manages around75,000 admissions annually, with over 23,000 surgeries performed each yearacross its 25 operating theatres. These figures underscore the hospital’s pivotal role in the region’s healthcare system.
In 2025, Groote Schuur Hospital embarked on significant infrastructure enhancements to bolster its service delivery. A notable project is the construction of a newEmergency Centre, slated to open in 2026. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to accommodate100–150 inpatient beds, with dedicated wards for male, female, pediatric, and isolation patients to manage acute cases effectively. The development aims to address the growing demand for emergency services and improve patient outcomes in critical situations.
Beyond infrastructure, Groote Schuur Hospital has implemented initiatives to enhance its surgical capacity during peak trauma periods. TheEmergency Fund for Emergency Surgery (EFES)project was launched to provide surgical teams with additional resources, ensuring timely care and reducing waiting times that could otherwise result in preventable deaths or lifelong disabilities. This initiative reflects the hospital’s commitment to maintaining high standards of care amidst increasing patient volumes.
8. Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi, Ghana
Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) stands as Ghana’s second-largest hospital and a pivotal healthcare institution in the Ashanti Region. Established in 1954 and affiliated with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), KATH serves as a major referral center for 12 of Ghana’s 16 regions, as well as neighboring countries such as Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso. The hospital’s strategic location in Kumasi, combined with its comprehensive services, makes it a critical component of the nation’s healthcare infrastructure.
As of 2025, KATH operates with an official bed capacity of approximately 1,200 beds, accommodating a daily outpatient attendance exceeding 1,000 patients. This capacity is essential to meet the demands of the vast population it serves. The hospital’s services encompass a wide range of specialties, including surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and emergency care. Additionally, KATH plays a crucial role in medical education and research, training medical students, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
Recognizing the increasing patient load and the need for modernization, KATH has embarked on several infrastructural projects. The “Heal Komfo Anokye Project,” initiated in collaboration with the Asantehene’s 25th Anniversary Legacy Projects, aims to upgrade the hospital’s facilities to meet international standards. This initiative focuses on enhancing infrastructure, improving patient privacy, and optimizing patient flow and efficiency within the hospital.
Despite the challenges posed by high patient volumes, KATH remains committed to delivering quality healthcare services. The hospital’s dedication to excellence is evident in its continuous efforts to expand and improve its facilities, ensuring that it can meet the evolving healthcare needs of the Ashanti Region and beyond. Through strategic partnerships, community support, and ongoing development, KATH is poised to maintain its status as a leading healthcare provider in West Africa.
7. Qasr El-Eyni / New Kasr Al-Ainy (Cairo University Hospitals), Egypt
The Qasr El-Eyni Hospital complex, also known as New Kasr Al-Ainy, stands as one of Africa’s largest and most historically significant university hospital systems. Located in downtown Cairo, it serves as the flagship teaching hospital for Cairo University’s Faculty of Medicine. Established in 1827, it is among the oldest medical institutions in the Arab world. The current hospital complex, inaugurated in 1996, spans 85,000 square meters and features a cross-shaped design with 12 floors, including a technical facility and a hospital tower.
As of 2025, the New Kasr Al-Ainy Teaching Hospital operates with an official bed capacity of approximately1,200 beds. This capacity supports a wide range of specialized medical services, including cardiology, ophthalmology, gastroenterology, hepatology, infectious diseases, and critical care. The hospital is equipped with advanced medical technologies and serves as a center for medical education, research, and patient care.
Beyond the New Kasr Al-Ainy facility, Cairo University Hospitals encompass a network of specialized hospitals, including the El Manial Academic Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Internal Medicine Hospital, and Pediatrics New Academic Hospital. Collectively, these institutions form one of the largest medical and educational networks in Africa. In 2022, the network underwent significant upgrades, including the renovation of critical care departments, to enhance service delivery and accommodate increasing patient volumes.
The Qasr El-Eyni complex continues to play a pivotal role in advancing healthcare in Egypt and the broader region. Its commitment to excellence in medical education, research, and patient care ensures its position as a leading institution in Africa’s healthcare landscape. As it continues to evolve, the hospital remains dedicated to meeting the growing healthcare needs of the population.
6. Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town Area, South Africa
Tygerberg Hospital, situated in Parow, Cape Town, is a cornerstone of South Africa’s healthcare system and a leading academic medical center. Established in 1976, it serves as a tertiary referral and teaching hospital affiliated with Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. The hospital is the largest district general hospital in the Western Cape and the second-largest in South Africa, with a capacity of 1,899 beds.
The hospital’s extensive bed capacity supports a comprehensive range of medical services, including specialized units for cardiology, oncology, neurology, pediatrics, and trauma care. Tygerberg Hospital is equipped with 67 wards, 29 operating theatres, and 10 intensive care units, providing critical care to a diverse patient population. Each year, more than 107,000 patients are admitted, and over 492,000 outpatient visits are recorded, underscoring the hospital’s pivotal role in the region’s healthcare delivery.
Beyond patient care, Tygerberg Hospital is a hub for medical education and research. It trains a significant number of undergraduate and postgraduate medical students, nurses, and allied health professionals. The hospital’s research initiatives contribute to advancements in medical science and the development of innovative healthcare solutions.
In response to increasing demand and the need for modernization, Tygerberg Hospital is undergoing a multibillion-rand redevelopment project. This initiative aims to expand and upgrade facilities to enhance service delivery and accommodate future healthcare needs. The project reflects the hospital’s commitment to maintaining its status as a leading healthcare provider in South Africa and Africa.
5. University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Nigeria
University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, Nigeria, stands as one of the nation’s premier healthcare institutions and a significant player in West Africa’s medical landscape. Established in 1957, UCH was the first teaching hospital in Nigeria, founded to support the University of Ibadan’s medical faculty. Over the decades, it has evolved into a comprehensive tertiary care center, renowned for its contributions to medical education, research, and patient care.
As of 2025, UCH boasts a total bed capacity of approximately1,445 beds, distributed across its main hospital and specialized centers. This includes 1,072 beds at the main hospital, 100 beds at the Otunba Tunwase National Paediatrics Centre, and 60 beds at the Okuku Centre. This extensive capacity allows UCH to serve a vast patient population, providing a wide array of medical services. The hospital operates over 96 outpatient clinics weekly, covering more than 50 specialties and sub-specialties. Its emergency department handles an average of 6,500 cases annually, reflecting its critical role in the region’s healthcare delivery.
UCH’s infrastructure supports a diverse range of medical services, including advanced surgical procedures, specialized diagnostic services, and comprehensive maternal and child health programs. Notably, it houses the Chief Tony Anenih Geriatric Centre, the first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa, underscoring its commitment to specialized care for the elderly. The hospital also features a state-of-the-art nuclear medicine department and a virology research laboratory, highlighting its role in medical research and innovation.
Affiliated with the University of Ibadan, UCH serves as a pivotal training ground for healthcare professionals. It has trained over 6,000 doctors, 4,500 nurses, and numerous other health professionals since its inception. Despite facing challenges such as infrastructure aging and power supply issues, UCH continues to be a beacon of medical excellence in Nigeria, striving to meet the growing healthcare needs of the population.
4. Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), located in Upanga West, Dar es Salaam, is Tanzania’s premier public referral, teaching, and research hospital. Established in 1897, it has evolved into a comprehensive healthcare institution affiliated with the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences. As of 2025, MNH boasts a bed capacity of approximately 1,500, making it one of East Africa’s largest single hospitals.
The hospital serves as the national referral center for specialized medical care, offering a wide range of services including cardiology, oncology, nephrology, neurology, and trauma care. It operates a fully equipped emergency department that handles over 60,000 cases annually. Notably, MNH has pioneered several medical procedures in Tanzania, including the country’s first successful kidney transplant and cochlear implant surgeries.
MNH employs approximately 2,800 staff, including 328 doctors and 946 nurses, across its 25 departments and 106 units. The hospital’s organizational structure comprises seven directorates: Clinical Services, Nursing Services & Quality, Clinical Support Services, Human Resources, Finance and Planning, Technical Services, and Information & Communications Technology.
In collaboration with its affiliate university, MNH facilitates both undergraduate clinical rotations and residency programs, contributing significantly to medical education in Tanzania. The hospital also engages in various research initiatives aimed at improving healthcare delivery and outcomes. Despite facing challenges such as resource constraints, MNH continues to play a pivotal role in advancing healthcare in Tanzania and the broader East African region.
3. Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), established in 1923, stands as Ghana’s premier tertiary referral and teaching hospital. Situated in Accra, it serves as the leading national referral center, offering specialized medical services and training healthcare professionals. The hospital has evolved from an initial 200-bed capacity to its current capacity of approximately 2,000 beds, making it one of Africa’s largest single-site hospitals.
KBTH operates 17 clinical and diagnostic departments, providing a wide range of services including medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and specialized units such as the National Cardiothoracic Centre and the National Centre for Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine. The hospital’s average daily attendance is around 1,500 patients, with approximately 250 admissions daily.
In recent years, KBTH has undertaken significant infrastructure developments to enhance its capacity and services. Notably, the hospital is constructing a 400-bed Maternity and Gynecological Centre and a 101-bed Urology and Nephrology Centre, aimed at addressing maternal and child health challenges and providing advanced kidney care.
Affiliated with the University of Ghana Medical School, KBTH plays a crucial role in medical education and research. It trains a significant number of medical students, nurses, and allied health professionals annually, contributing to the development of healthcare expertise in the region. Despite facing challenges such as resource constraints, KBTH remains committed to its mission of providing high-quality healthcare and advancing medical knowledge in Ghana and beyond.
2. Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Nairobi, Kenya
Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), established in 1901, stands as Kenya’s oldest and largest public hospital. Located in Nairobi, it serves as the national referral and teaching hospital, offering specialized medical services and training healthcare professionals. As of 2025, KNH operates with a bed capacity of approximately 2,400 beds, making it the largest public health facility in East Africa.
The hospital provides a comprehensive range of services across various specialties, including cardiology, neurosurgery, oncology, pediatrics, and obstetrics. It operates 50 wards, 24 outpatient clinics, 26 theatres, and an Accident & Emergency department. Additionally, KNH has 82 ICU beds to cater to critically ill patients.
Serving approximately 2 million patients annually, KNH plays a pivotal role in Kenya’s healthcare system. It not only provides essential medical services but also contributes significantly to medical education and research. The hospital is affiliated with the University of Nairobi’s College of Health Sciences, training a substantial number of medical students, nurses, and allied health professionals each year.
Despite its substantial capacity and service delivery, KNH faces challenges related to infrastructure and resource constraints. Power outages and high energy costs have strained the hospital’s operations, leading to reliance on diesel generators that meet only about 65% of its energy demand. Nonetheless, KNH remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s healthcare infrastructure, continually striving to meet the growing health needs of the population.
1. Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Soweto / Johannesburg, South Africa
Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH), located in Soweto, Johannesburg, holds the distinction of being Africa’s largest hospital by bed capacity and one of the largest globally. Established in 1942 as the Imperial Military Hospital, it was renamed in 1997 to honor anti-apartheid leader Chris Hani. Today, it operates with approximately 3,400 beds, serving as a critical healthcare institution for South Africa and the broader southern hemisphere.
Spanning 173 acres (0.70 km²), CHBAH is a public teaching hospital affiliated with the University of the Witwatersrand Medical School. It is managed by the Gauteng Provincial Department of Health and is one of the 40 provincial hospitals in Gauteng. The hospital employs over 6,700 staff members and comprises 429 buildings, offering a comprehensive range of medical services across various specialties.
CHBAH serves a diverse and densely populated area, with over a million residents in Soweto and surrounding regions relying on its services. The hospital handles a significant volume of patients annually, with more than 2,000 individuals checking into its specialized clinics and outpatient departments daily. Approximately 70% of admissions are emergencies, including an average of 160 victims of gunshot wounds per month.
As a Level 1 trauma center, CHBAH is equipped to handle complex medical cases and provides advanced training for medical professionals. Despite facing challenges such as resource constraints and infrastructure demands, the hospital remains a cornerstone of South Africa’s healthcare system, continually striving to meet the needs of its diverse patient population and uphold its commitment to medical education and research.
