Abstract

Healthcare infrastructure projects in West Africa are critical for addressing the region’s growing healthcare needs, yet they face significant risks and compliance challenges that hinder their successful delivery. This study examines risk management strategies and compliance frameworks in healthcare infrastructure projects through case studies from Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal. Using a qualitative case study approach, the research explores the key risks associated with these projects, including cost overruns, delays, regulatory hurdles, and quality issues, and evaluates the effectiveness of strategies employed to mitigate these risks. The study also assesses the role of compliance frameworks in ensuring project success, highlighting challenges such as weak institutional capacity, corruption, and lack of standardization. Findings reveal that robust risk management strategies, such as stakeholder engagement, contingency planning, and adaptive project management, are essential for mitigating risks, while compliance frameworks that prioritize transparency, accountability, and institutional capacity are crucial for navigating regulatory complexities. The study contributes to the academic discourse by integrating global best practices with context-specific adaptations, offering actionable recommendations for policymakers, project managers, and stakeholders. These recommendations include strengthening institutional capacity, promoting stakeholder engagement, adopting adaptive risk management strategies, leveraging technology, and enhancing collaboration among stakeholders. By addressing these challenges, the study aims to improve the delivery and sustainability of healthcare infrastructure projects in West Africa, ultimately enhancing access to quality healthcare services and supporting the region’s broader development goals.