AHF Calls for Strengthening Africa's Pharmaceutical Sector

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has called on African governments to expedite efforts to strengthen the continent's pharmaceutical industry. AHF Executive Vice President Penninah Iutung warned that reliance on imported medicines and fragmented regulatory systems could hinder access to affordable drugs.

The foundation urged countries that have not ratified the African Medicines Agency (AMA) Treaty to do so, as a harmonized regulatory framework would bolster local pharmaceutical production and enhance access to safe, quality-assured medicines. The call coincides with the AMA's inaugural week in Kigali, Rwanda, from October 25 to 30, focusing on medicines regulation across Africa.

Currently, Africa's pharmaceutical market is valued at $30 billion, with 70 to 95 percent of medicines consumed being imported. As of October 2026, 33 African Union member states had ratified the treaty, leaving over 20 countries yet to complete the process.

Challenges identified include unpredictable regulatory timelines and differing requirements among countries, which could increase production costs and delay access to medicines.