The Best of ASCO Africa 2026 conference brought oncology professionals from across the continent to Abuja, Nigeria, on July 10–11, 2026, for two days of scientific exchange, expert discussion, and collaboration focused on advancing cancer care in Africa.
The meeting highlighted some of the most clinically significant abstracts presented at the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting, providing a platform for African oncologists to examine their relevance to regional practice. Beyond reviewing new evidence, the conference addressed persistent gaps in cancer care and explored practical strategies for improving access to innovative therapies, advanced technologies, specialist training, and essential oncology resources.
15 Posts Not To Miss From Best of ASCO Africa 2026
“As experts gather in Abuja for the AORTIC Africa–Best of ASCO Africa 2026 Conference, under the theme ‘From Global Discovery to Local Delivery: Driving Africa to the Cutting Edge of Cancer Care,’ we must remember the importance of broad engagement and building networks that foster sustainable partnerships.
This Best of ASCO meeting in Nigeria offers another valuable opportunity to strengthen both South–South and North–South collaboration, with the shared goal of improving access to cancer treatment.
We warmly welcome our colleagues and look forward to productive discussions and meaningful outcomes that will advance cancer care across Africa.”
“Best of ASCO Africa 2026 in Abuja brought together oncology professionals for well-attended sessions focused on timely and clinically relevant discussions within the African context.
The keynote address was delivered by the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako. Distinguished AORTIC leaders and members of the Best of ASCO Africa Local Organizing Committee were also present, contributing to an important gathering dedicated to advancing cancer care across the continent.”
“We were honoured to have the AORTIC Africa meeting officially opened by Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Health.
In his address, the Minister called on the African cancer community to intensify efforts to respond to the needs of the 1.2 million people diagnosed with cancer each year. He also highlighted the strong political commitment to addressing the growing cancer burden as part of broader economic progress and sustainable development.
The message reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to providing leadership and supporting meaningful action to improve cancer outcomes across Africa.”
“From Addis to Abuja.
In July 2025, we gathered in Addis Ababa for the first in-person Best of ASCO Africa meeting. Shortly before the conference began, we launched the inaugural AORTIC–American Society of Clinical Oncology Research Scholars Programme, one of the first flagship initiatives to emerge from the AORTIC–ASCO partnership.
Throughout the meeting, one question remained central: How can scientific discovery be translated into better outcomes for patients across Africa?
The discussions that began in Addis Ababa became a catalyst for action. They led to the establishment of the AORTIC Special Interest Group on Access to Innovative Cancer Therapies and Technologies, as well as the AORTIC–Bio Usawa Innovation Microgrants, which support African-led implementation research addressing locally relevant barriers to equitable cancer care.
One year later, the inaugural cohort of 18 AORTIC–ASCO Research Scholars is completing its first year, while five African-led implementation projects are underway across the continent. These initiatives reflect an important shift from identifying challenges to investing in African researchers, innovation, and locally led solutions.
This week, that journey continues in Abuja.
The theme, ‘From Global Discovery to Local Recovery: Driving Africa to the Cutting Edge of Cancer Care,’ reminds us that discovery is only the beginning. Innovation changes lives only when it reaches patients.
Over the next two days, discussions will focus not only on the latest advances in cancer care, but also on the policies, partnerships, financing, workforce, and health systems required to ensure that these advances become a reality for patients across Africa.
The true measure of any conference is not what is said in the meeting room, but what changes when we return home.”
“Past President of AORTIC Africa, Miriam Mutebi, challenged both the panel and the audience to consider a critical question in African cancer prevention and control: Is the main challenge insufficient funding, or is it execution?
Her message was clear. The current positive political will must be translated into coordinated action, with a strong and sustained focus on implementation.
Execution, execution, execution.”
“At Best of ASCO Africa in Abuja, the most important question is not simply, ‘What is the new standard of care?’ It is, ‘What can realistically reach a patient in Garissa, or a district hospital with no access to immunotherapy or antibody–drug conjugates, only one linear accelerator, a three-month radiotherapy waiting list, or no radiotherapy services at all?’
The key message I am taking home is clear: do not only read the trial. Read the delivery gap.
A treatment regimen that depends on molecular testing, uninterrupted drug supply, and frequent imaging cannot be considered practice-changing for most African settings until the systems required to deliver it are in place.
Best of ASCO Africa is at its strongest when it drives this translation—from the conference podium in Chicago to the realities of cancer care in African clinics.”
“At the AORTIC Best of ASCO Africa meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, Dr. Yehoda Martei discussed access to cancer medicines across Africa and highlighted the potential role of pooled procurement in improving availability and affordability.”
“A full house at Best of ASCO Africa in Abuja.
The current session is reviewing advances in early breast cancer, with an important focus on emerging data and their relevance within the African context.”
“The most meaningful conversations in oncology do more than share evidence; they help shape the future of cancer care.
I am delighted to be in Abuja for Best of ASCO Africa 2026, where oncology professionals from across the continent have gathered to discuss the latest advances in cancer care and how these developments can be translated into better outcomes for patients.
It is a privilege to serve as Session Chair and moderate the panel discussion, ‘Strengthening Africa’s Oncology Workforce: Tackling Brain Drain and Building Capacity for Advanced Cancer Care.’
This topic is particularly close to my heart. Building a resilient oncology workforce requires sustained investment in training, mentorship, collaboration, and professional environments where healthcare workers can thrive while delivering high-quality cancer care.
I look forward to engaging with an exceptional panel of experts as we examine practical strategies to strengthen oncology services across Africa and support a sustainable future for cancer care across the continent.”
National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment:
“The Director General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to advancing cancer prevention, research, early detection, treatment, and access to care through evidence-based policies, strategic partnerships, and innovative programmes transforming cancer care in Nigeria.
Speaking at the ongoing Best of ASCO Africa 2026 Conference in Abuja, Prof. Malami delivered a presentation titled, ‘Reducing Africa’s Cancer Burden: Insights from the Nigerian Model.’
He highlighted NICRAT’s efforts to strengthen local research capacity, including the training of approximately 140 early-career scientists through the Strengthening Institutional Capacity in Cancer Research programme and the awarding of research grants to 24 researchers.
Prof. Malami also announced the completion of the first phase of Nigeria’s Cancer Genome Study. The initiative aims to identify genetic mutations associated with common cancers among Nigerians and establish a foundation for precision medicine tailored to patients in the country.
He encouraged participants to use the conference as a platform for knowledge exchange, partnership-building, and the development of practical solutions that can accelerate progress toward equitable cancer care across Africa.
The conference is being held under the theme, ‘From Global Discovery to Local Discovery: Driving Africa to the Cutting Edge of Cancer Care.’”
“Abiola Ibraheem, Vice President for North America at AORTIC Africa, officially opened the Best of ASCO Africa meeting.
We look forward to two productive days of discussion, collaboration, and shared learning in Abuja.”
“Day 1 of the AORTIC Africa–Best of ASCO Africa 2026 meeting was a strong reminder that progress in cancer control across Africa depends on intentional leadership, collaboration, and innovation.
One of the key highlights was the address by Prof. Usman Aliyu, Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, who presented an encouraging update on Nigeria’s evolving cancer control landscape.
From strengthening research capacity and expanding access to high-quality care to building partnerships that translate innovation into equitable cancer services, NICRAT’s work demonstrates what can be achieved when national vision is supported by strategic action.
As someone working across radiation oncology, public health, digital health, and cancer advocacy, it was encouraging to see the shared commitment of government, academia, clinicians, researchers, civil society, and development partners to reducing Nigeria’s cancer burden.
I look forward to the discussions, collaborations, and lessons that Day 2 will bring.”
Written by Nare Hovhannisyan, MD
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