This past weekend, on the margins of the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly in Addis Ababa, a defining moment unfolded for the future of health on our continent.
Heads of State and Government, Ministers of Health, and partners adopted a declaration committing to advance local manufacturing of health products as a continental priority for health security and sovereignty.
From a PSK perspective, this is not just a political statement—it is a roadmap for transformation.
What This Means for Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Security in Africa
The declaration reaffirms the continental ambition to meet at least 60% of Africa’s health product needs through local manufacturing by 2040. For Kenya, already a regional leader in pharmaceutical production, this presents both an opportunity and a responsibility.
Key commitments that resonate deeply with the pharmacy profession:
| Commitment | PSK Perspective |
| Advance local manufacturing as a priority | Pharmacists are central to quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and innovation in manufacturing. We must be at the table. |
| Operationalise the African Pooled Procurement Mechanism (APPM) | A strategic “Buy African” tool that can stabilise markets, reduce costs, and prioritise African manufacturers—benefiting patients and industry alike. |
| Mobilise financing for local manufacturers | Access to capital remains a barrier. The proposed APPM capital fund could unlock growth for Kenyan and African pharma. |
| Invest in skills, innovation, and technology transfer | This is where pharmacy professionals thrive—through R&D, quality systems, and technology adoption. Partnerships under Africa CDC networks will be key. |
| Extraordinary Summit on African Health Products Manufacturing (Nairobi, Q2 2026) | Kenya hosts! This is our moment to showcase leadership, attract investment, and shape continental policy. |
Kenya’s Leadership Role
We commend H.E. President William Samoei Ruto, in his capacity as AU Champion on Local Manufacturing, for championing this agenda. The upcoming Extraordinary Summit in Nairobi is a testament to Kenya’s commitment to driving Africa’s pharmaceutical agenda forward.
PSK stands ready to:
- Contribute pharmacy expertise to policy and technical discussions.
- Advocate for regulatory harmonisation and quality standards.
- Support skills development for pharmacists in manufacturing, QA, and supply chain.
- Amplify the voice of the pharmacist in continental health security dialogue.
Remarks by H.E. William Ruto at the 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly, where African leaders have committed to producing at least 60% of the continent’s health products locally by 2040 and to fully operationalise the African Pooled Procurement Mechanism (APPM).
The Road Ahead
This declaration is not an end; it is a beginning. The real work lies in implementation, investment, and inclusion. Pharmacists must be recognised as essential partners in translating political will into tangible health outcomes.
We call upon our members, partners, and stakeholders to:
- Engage with the upcoming Nairobi Summit.
- Strengthen collaborations with manufacturers, regulators, and training institutions.
- Champion local production, quality assurance, and access in every practice setting.