This publication provides an overview of health economics initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa and outlines a strategy for promoting further health economics capacity in the region. It is the result of a process initiated by the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) capacity building programme of work, including a Consultative Workshop in 2006, and completed with support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). The report was drafted as a paper providing background information and ideas on health economics capacity within the sub-Saharan African (SSA) region to stimulate discussion at the consultative workshop held in April 2006 to consider ways of promoting health-economics capacity within the region. Prior to publication, it was circulated widely among health economists working in Africa - their inputs ensure that it reflects the widest possible range of views.