The Pathology Network (TPN) continues to position Africa’s diagnostic story on the global stage. As the organisation builds scalable diagnostic infrastructure across the continent through its Spes360 platform, the UK has become an important base for global engagement, research visibility, and international collaboration.

TPN’s growing presence in the UK is strengthened further through its acceptance into the UK Government’s Global Entrepreneur Programme (GEP) — a highly competitive programme designed to support innovative international companies that have the potential to deliver global impact.

Being selected recognises TPN’s uniquely African-led contribution to the future of diagnostics and validates the organisation’s ambition to build a continent-wide digital diagnostic grid.

A Strategic Location: Why Oxford Matters

Establishing part of TPN’s international footprint in Oxford carries strategic benefits that align directly with its mission.

Oxford is one of the world’s leading centres for medical research, digital health innovation, and translational science. It offers proximity to:

• globally recognised universities and research institutes

• a strong clinical and academic pathology community

• digital health accelerators and innovation hubs

• a concentrated pool of talent in AI, biomedical engineering and epidemiology

• networks focused on global health and equitable access to care

For an organisation building diagnostic infrastructure for an entire continent, Oxford provides the environment needed for rigorous scientific engagement, technology development, and the creation of international partnerships grounded in evidence and governance.

Leadership Rooted in African Diagnostic Realities

At the heart of TPN’s expansion is Dr Joshua Kibera, a practising Kenyan pathologist with years of hands-on experience navigating the systemic challenges of diagnostic medicine in Africa. His work has spanned clinical practice, laboratory leadership, medical education, and health-system design.

The UK offers a platform where his insights can contribute to global debates on diagnostic AI, system coordination, and the future of digital pathology: discussions that increasingly require African representation.

Building Global Foundations for an African Mission

TPN’s engagement in the UK is not about shifting its centre of gravity but about strengthening the international structures required to support Africa’s diagnostic transformation.

From the UK base, TPN is better positioned to:

• build partnerships that support sustainable diagnostic infrastructure

• engage academic and research networks working on AI and digital pathology

• connect with global health funders and innovation bodies

• contribute African insights to global diagnostic-technology standards

• access technical expertise needed to enhance Spes360 at scale

• attract diaspora clinical talent and global collaborators

This global positioning complements, rather than replaces, the foundational work happening across Africa through TPN’s local partners, pathologists, and healthcare institutions.

A Platform for the Future

As Africa experiences rising rates of non-communicable diseases and increased demand for specialist diagnostics, the need for coordinated, reliable, technology-enabled systems has never been clearer.

TPN’s strategic presence in the UK, coupled with the organisation’s acceptance into the Global Entrepreneur Programme, strengthens its capacity to build these systems at scale.