Lyn Frans
African countries have endorsed a new continental plan aimed at strengthening local pharmaceutical production and reducing dependence on imported medicines.
The agreement known as the Algiers Declaration was adopted at the close of a two-day ministerial conference held in Algiers, bringing together health and industry ministers from 29 nations, as well as experts from regional and international bodies.
Hosted under the patronage of Algeria’s President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the meeting focused on finding practical ways to reinforce Africa’s health sovereignty. The final text of the declaration was presented by the Minister of Pharmaceutical Industry, Wassim Kouidri, before receiving unanimous approval from participating delegations.
The declaration outlines a shared commitment to develop stronger pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing capacity across Africa. It encourages the creation of regional production hubs and calls for expanded collaboration between governments and private investors to build a more resilient health sector capable of serving local needs.
A central theme at the conference was the importance of improving regulatory systems. Countries pledged to strengthen their national regulatory agencies and accelerate alignment of standards across the continent through institutions such as the African Medicines Agency. This harmonization is intended to help ensure the safety, quality and effectiveness of medicines produced and distributed across borders.
Technology transfer and local innovation were also highlighted as crucial pillars. The declaration urges closer cooperation between universities, research centers and industry, with the goal of building skilled human capital that can sustain long-term industrial growth. African and international lenders — including development banks — were encouraged to design flexible financing tools that make it easier for manufacturers to expand production and for buyers to access essential medical products.
Another key recommendation is the adoption of pooled procurement strategies at regional and continental levels. By combining purchasing power, African states aim to secure more stable markets, reduce costs and avoid the fragmented demand that has long weakened local pharmaceutical industries.
Also Read: East African Leaders Postpone Summit Amid Regional Challenges
Speakers noted that the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic remain fresh, underscoring how reliance on global supply chains left Africa vulnerable during moments of crisis. The declaration aligns with the long-term vision of the African Union and its Agenda 2063, which emphasizes the need for stronger, more self-reliant health systems.
Participants also praised Algeria for its progress in producing more than 80 percent of its own pharmaceutical needs locally — an achievement many countries hope to replicate as the continent works toward greater manufacturing independence.
As the declaration moves from paper to implementation, African governments face the challenge of turning shared ambitions into concrete results. Success will depend on sustained political commitment, investment in regulatory reform and manufacturing infrastructure, and close coordination between public institutions and industry.
But for many at the conference, the Algiers Declaration marks an important turning point a collective step toward building a more secure, sustainable and self-sufficient pharmaceutical future for Africa.
