25 October 2026, Kigali, Rwanda

The African Medicines Agency (AMA) opened its inaugural AMA Week with Manufacturing and Innovation Day, bringing together manufacturers, innovators, investors, national regulatory authorities (NRAs), ministries of health, African Union representatives and development partners.

Discussions covered what it takes to make local manufacturing sustainable in Africa, from regulatory predictability to strengthening a skilled workforce, and technology transfer. An industry panel with representatives from PMG-MAN, IFPMA, Eva Pharma and Biovac highlighted the importance of clear, predictable processes and regulatory systems that are simple to use. Speakers from Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Codix Group, Minapharm and PATH outlined the need to build up workforce capability, develop African-owned technology, as well as manufacturing diagnostics and medical devices.

“Our approach is straightforward: engage early, develop the right evidence, meet the required standards and create clearer pathways towards patients. AMA is working closely with national regulatory authorities, research institutions, manufacturers, investors and our continental partners to deliver on this ambition” – H.E. Dr Delese Mimi Darko, Director-General, African Medicines Agency.

AMA set out how it will work alongside national regulatory authorities to support manufacturers. Under its coordinated continental procedure, one application can serve several markets, with decisions on each product remaining national. This is intended to reduce duplication while maintaining standards for quality, safety and efficacy. AMA’s Regulatory Innovation and Manufacturing Readiness Hub will also offer early scientific advice, so manufacturers can engage regulators before they submit an application. Alongside it, the AMA Capacity Strengthening Hub will support the capacity of national regulators and regional bodies.Together, these steps are intended to help more safe, quality medical products reach patients across Africa.

A full meeting report, with outcomes and commitments, will be shared with stakeholders.

25 October 2026, Kigali, Rwanda

AMA Week runs from 25 to 30 October 2026 in Kigali. Activities include the inauguration of the AMA Technical Committees, the launch of two AMA Hubs, and the 11th African Medicines Regulators Conference, co-convened with the World Health Organisation (WHO).