The 2nd annual ministerial high-level forum for the Ministers of Health from the African Union (AU) Member States, organized by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), under the Ministerial Executive Leadership Programme (MELP), took place alongside the 37th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly. Building upon the success of its inaugural counterpart held in Zambia in 2023, this year's forum operated under the theme "Impactful Leadership in Health: A Whole of Government Approach." It served as a platform for deepening understanding and fostering collective commitment towards transformative and sustainable healthcare solutions across Africa. The forum centred on tackling critical challenges and devising strategies to fortify health systems, improve health outcomes, strengthen health security, and facilitate local vaccine production. It underscored the importance of tailored approaches, sharing best practices in healthcare delivery, emergency preparedness, and response, with a keen eye on localized adaptations. Ministers of Health engaged in discussions on bolstering partnerships and collaborations among peers, stakeholders, and development partners to drive coordinated actions and mobilize resources for sustainable health development. There was a heightened dedication towards achieving local vaccine manufacturing, advancing gender equality, ensuring universal health coverage, addressing health disparities, and enhancing health security in Africa, with a spotlight on regional leadership and ownership. Gender equity took centre stage, with panel discussions focusing on addressing maternal mortality and morbidity, and accelerating gender equity for a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive future in Africa. Moderated by Dr Magda Robalo, President of IGHD, these discussions featured insights from health ministers and experts, highlighting the imperative of understanding and tackling gender inequity for improved access to health services. Furthermore, the forum delved into "Delivering through Technology: Shaping the Future of Leadership in the Digital Age," stressing the transformative potential of digital health solutions in revolutionizing healthcare delivery across Africa. It underscored the responsibility to harness these innovations to surmount barriers to health access and quality. In summary, the ministers showcased their commitment to addressing health inequalities and bolstering health security in Africa, underscoring a focus on local ownership and leadership. This commitment signals significant strides towards advancing healthcare across the continent, positioning Africa on a trajectory towards enhanced health outcomes and sustainable development.