Over the last five years most African countries have integrated universal health coverage (UHC) as a goal in their national health strategies. Yet, progress in translating this commitment into equitable and quality health services, and increased financial protection, has been slow. The African Union (AU)’s “Addis Ababa Commitment toward Shared Responsibility and Global Solidarity for Increased Health Financing Declaration” (1) – also known as the ALM Declaration - seeks to galvanise greater cooperation between the public and private sectors to deliver sustainable, effective, efficient and equitable health and safeguard health security.