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Africa Urged to Ratify AMA Treaty for Health Sovereignty
30 Oct
Summary
- AHF urges African nations to ratify the AMA treaty rapidly.
- Africa imports 70-95% of its medicines, facing a trade deficit.
- Fragmented regulations hinder local manufacturers' growth.
As the African Medicines Agency (AMA) convenes its inaugural week in Kigali, Rwanda, from October 25-30, 2026, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has issued a pressing call for accelerated ratification of the AMA Treaty. Currently, more than 20 African Union Member States have yet to ratify this critical treaty, hindering progress towards greater health sovereignty and pharmaceutical independence.
Africa's reliance on imported medicines remains substantial, with an estimated 70-95% of pharmaceuticals consumed on the continent being sourced externally. This dependence contributes to a significant trade deficit, highlighted by a US$12.5 billion figure in 2020. Fragmented regulatory systems further compound the issue, creating barriers for local manufacturers seeking to scale production and access broader regional markets.
Discussions during AMA Week revealed that unpredictable regulatory timelines, differing requirements across nations, and duplicated submission processes are major obstacles for local pharmaceutical producers. These challenges increase costs and delay access to essential medicines. To counter this, AHF advocates for harmonized requirements, predictable approval processes, and enhanced collaboration among national regulatory authorities to foster efficiency and stimulate investment in Africa's pharmaceutical sector.
