Addis Ababa:Ethiopia is striving to become a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing hub across the continent by utilizing the African Continental Free Trade Area, enhancing regional value chains, promoting regulatory cooperation, and adopting pooled procurement to expand the production of African-made health products, as stated by Health State Minister Dr. Muluken Argaw.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Dr. Muluken highlighted the significance of local production of essential medicines, vaccines, and medical devices for Africa's health security and economic transformation during his speech at the African Healthcare Manufacturing Trade Exhibition and Conference (AHMTEC) 2026 held in Addis Ababa. The event, themed “Industrialise to Commercialise,” aims to foster investment, facilitate technology transfer, and improve regulatory cooperation while strengthening links between African producers and buyers.
Dr. Muluken emphasized the necessity of positioning healthcare manufacturing at the forefront of national development and continental cooperation. He noted that Ethiopia's strategic goals extend beyond its borders, focusing on leveraging continental trade agreements and expanding opportunities for African-made health products. Practical progress in trade facilitation and market access requirements is deemed essential for this vision.
He further explained that the establishment of the African Medicines Agency and the adoption of pooled procurement could streamline processes and align African demand with quality supply. Ethiopia's pharmaceutical market, projected to exceed 4 billion USD by 2030, presents opportunities to enhance local production, reduce import reliance, and support related industries.
Dr. Emmanuel Mujuru, Chairman of the Federation of African Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Associations, echoed the need for African manufacturers to strengthen supply security while addressing ongoing challenges. Dr. Tadesse Teferi, President of the Ethiopian Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies Manufacturing Industries Sectoral Association, highlighted Ethiopia’s infrastructure, regulation, and policy support as assets for manufacturers, emphasizing the country’s aim to lead in the production of African vaccines and medicines.
Ann-Marie Hosang-Archer, Acting Council Chair of Vizuri Health Dynamics, noted that mechanisms such as the African Pooled Procurement Mechanism and the African Medicines Agency are creating more predictable markets and favorable investment conditions for manufacturers in Africa.
