Across Africa, the challenge of providing quality healthcare is immense—unequal access, infrastructure gaps, and rising disease burdens threaten millions of lives. But in the face of these obstacles, transformative leaders are driving real change. Maturin Tchoumi, Area Head for Roche Africa, is one such leader, shaping the future of healthcare through innovation, strategic partnerships, and patient-centered solutions.
A Global Leader with a Local Impact
With over 30 years of experience spanning Europe, North America, and Africa, Maturin Tchoumi has developed a deep understanding of global healthcare systems and the unique challenges facing the African continent. His leadership is defined by a commitment to reshaping healthcare access and outcomes, ensuring that life-saving treatments reach those who need them most.
Roche is already partnering on numerous initiatives aimed at transforming healthcare delivery in Africa. One of the most impactful examples is Roche’s engagement in Egypt, where the company partnered with the government to support the Presidential Women’s Health Initiative. This program has screened over 50 million women for breast cancer and facilitated early detection, significantly improving survival rates.
Beyond Egypt, Maturin has played a key role in launching similar large-scale initiatives across Africa, ensuring that healthcare solutions are adaptable and scalable to different markets. His ability to bridge global expertise with local needs has been instrumental in Roche’s expansion and impact on the continent.
Driving Systemic Change through Innovation
Maturin believes that sustainable healthcare transformation in Africa requires a bold, strategic approach—one that combines digital innovation, strategic investments, and strong public-private partnerships. Under his leadership, Roche has championed data-driven healthcare solutions to bridge critical access gaps.
One of his key focus areas is advocating for national cancer control plans for African countries. By working closely with governments, NGOs, and healthcare providers, Roche is ensuring that comprehensive frameworks are in place to tackle breast and cervical cancer—two of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among African women.
In Kenya, Roche has partnered with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and Savannah Global Health Institute (SGHI) to launch Empower 2.0, a digital initiative aimed at revolutionizing cancer care. Building on the original EMPOWER program, which successfully screened over 132,450 women for breast and cervical cancer and facilitated treatment for over 2,700 patients, this new initiative leverages cutting-edge digital technology to enhance accessibility, quality, and efficiency of cancer care across the country.
This is a significant leap forward in how we approach cancer care,” shares Maturin. “By embedding digital transformation in healthcare, we ensure that innovation is not just about progress but about saving lives.”
Empowering Africa’s Healthcare Ecosystem
Beyond corporate leadership, Maturin is passionate about empowering local talent and fostering a new generation of healthcare changemakers. He actively supports capacity-building programs, from training healthcare professionals to strengthening laboratory networks, ensuring that Africa’s healthcare ecosystem is resilient and self-sustaining.
His vision extends beyond short-term interventions—he is committed to long-term, scalable solutions that leave a lasting impact. Whether it’s advocating for universal health coverage or supporting innovative financing models to make diagnostics and treatment more affordable, Maturin’s leadership continues to break barriers.
A prime example of this approach is Roche’s support for the Africa Breast Cancer Council, a coalition of first ladies, economists, doctors, and patient advocates working together to highlight gaps in cancer care. At the Africa Health Agenda International Conference in Kigali, the council not only identified urgent healthcare challenges but also presented real, scalable solutions that are already making a difference. Maturin is particularly proud of how this initiative has gained international recognition. With coverage from global media outlets, including the BBC, the council’s message has reached millions, driving awareness and sparking actionable change.
“Africa is diverse, but there’s more that unites us than divides us,” says Maturin. “By learning from each other and sharing successes, we can leapfrog traditional healthcare models and build a future where every African has access to quality care.”
A Leadership Philosophy Built on Three Pillars
Maturin roots his leadership approach in three core principles that define his strategy and impact. System Shaping is at the heart of his vision, recognizing that healthcare is a complex ecosystem that requires collaboration at every level. Under his leadership, Roche partners with governments, NGOs, and healthcare providers to co-create sustainable solutions that address systemic gaps and improve patient outcomes.
Equally crucial is Sustainable Impact—a commitment to long-term investments that go beyond immediate solutions. By strengthening infrastructure, enhancing workforce development, and expanding patient access, Roche ensures that every initiative leaves a lasting legacy, transforming healthcare systems rather than offering temporary fixes.
Finally, Agile Leadership is a fundamental aspect of Maturin’s approach. He believes in empowering local teams, allowing them to make informed decisions that are tailored to their specific markets. This flexibility enables Roche to adapt its strategies dynamically, ensuring that healthcare solutions remain effective and responsive to the diverse needs of Africa’s populations.
A standout example of these principles in action is Roche’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in Ivory Coast, where collaborative efforts have significantly improved access to essential medicines and healthcare services. As a result of the PPP, breast cancer survival rates rose from 20% to 56% nationally and from 20% to 63% at Côte d’Ivoire’s National Radiotherapy Center (CNRAO). Women diagnosed early at CNRAO now experience an 85% survival rate, nearing high-income country standards.
“We don’t operate in isolation. Our success is measured not by the medicines we sell but by the impact we create in people’s lives,” Maturin asserts.
Fostering Innovation and Digital Transformation
Innovation at Roche goes beyond technological advancements—it’s about reimagining healthcare delivery.
“We harness digital transformation to streamline processes, enhance patient engagement, and personalize care,” Maturin explains.
By leveraging artificial intelligence (AI)-driven diagnostics, real-world evidence (RWE), and digital therapeutics, Roche is ensuring that precision medicine reaches the patients who need it most. Initiatives like EMPOWER 2.0 in Kenya are transforming how patient data is collected and utilized, enabling more effective treatments and better health outcomes.
Facing Challenges Head-On
Navigating Africa’s healthcare landscape is not without challenges. Regulatory hurdles, fragmented systems, and resource constraints can slow progress. However, Maturin remains steadfast in his belief that collaboration, innovation, and perseverance can drive sustainable change.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The key is understanding what works in different contexts and adapting best practices to local realities,” he states.
This adaptability has allowed Roche to continuously refine its strategies, ensuring that even in highly complex healthcare ecosystems, progress is being made and patient outcomes are improved.
Building a Legacy of Excellence
Maturin Tchoumi’s leadership is not just about managing a business—it’s about reshaping the future of healthcare in Africa. By aligning innovation with sustainable partnerships, he is helping to build a more equitable healthcare system that serves all Africans.
At Roche, operational excellence is about embedding high-performance principles into everything they do—while ensuring that teams feel a deep sense of purpose. Maturin believes in fostering a culture of ownership and accountability, ensuring that every Roche Africa team member is aligned with the company’s mission.
“When high performance and purpose-driven leadership are aligned, we don’t just meet targets—we transform lives,” he says.
A Lifelong Learner and Innovator
The most important lesson that Mr. Maturin has learned is to never stop learning. “The pharmaceutical industry is constantly evolving, driven by scientific breakthroughs, technological advancements, and changing healthcare needs. In my opinion, adaptability requires a mindset of continuous innovation, deep partnerships, and a relentless focus on the patient.”
He believes in staying curious, embracing new ideas, and fostering a culture of lifelong learning. It’s about being open to change, willing to experiment, and committed to continuous improvement. According to Mr. Maturin, by prioritizing learning and adaptability, one can ensure that they stay ahead of the curve and continue to deliver innovative solutions that improve patient outcomes.
Legacy of leadership and impact
Maturin’s journey is a testament to the power of leadership rooted in purpose. Through bold decision-making, strategic partnerships, and an unrelenting focus on patient outcomes, he has redefined what it means to drive change in Africa’s healthcare landscape. His work is far from done—he remains committed to empowering local teams, fostering innovation, and ensuring that every breakthrough translates into meaningful impact. For Maturin, leadership is not just about solving today’s challenges but about creating a foundation for generations to come.
