The moderately positive economic performance since 2000 has provided opportunities for improvements in health outcomes. Africa recorded average real annual GDP growth of 5–6 per cent between 2000 and 2010 before slowing down to about 3 per cent per annum over the period 2010–2015. Economic growth rate is projected to decline slightly from 3.4 per cent in 2017 to 3.2 per cent in 2018. Accelerating economic growth and achieving the goal of a prosperous Africa requires countries improve health outcomes, for better productivity and job creation.