Africa faces a growing mental health crisis that poses significant economic risks due to a severe shortage of psychiatric professionals. Experts warn this deficit could worsen productivity losses and strain healthcare systems.

• 150 million people in Africa were living with mental health conditions in 2025.
• Africa has approximately 1.4 mental health workers per 100,000 people, far below the global average of about nine.
• Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF are highlighting the critical workforce deficit, pressuring governments and institutions like St. George's University to expand training pipelines for mental health specialists.