In a significant move toward pharmaceutical independence, Dr. Delese Mimi Darko, Director General of the African Medicines Agency (AMA), addressed the USP Africa Regional Chapter Meeting in Johannesburg today.
Speaking to a gathering of health leaders and stakeholders, Dr. Darko emphasized that while the continent possesses significant regulatory and technical capacity, the current infrastructure remains fragmented.
The keynote, delivered under the theme “Partnering for Progress: Localisation and Building Regulatory Capacity for Next-Gen Medicines in Africa,” served as a call to action for the harmonization of medical standards across borders.
Connecting National Authorities
Dr. Darko clarified that the AMA’s primary mission is to act as a strategic enabler, linking existing National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) to create a cohesive ecosystem. By fostering collaboration, the AMA aims to transform isolated pockets of expertise into a coordinated, continent-wide network capable of overseeing modern medical advancements.
“Africa has regulatory and technical capacity, but this is not yet fully connected,” Dr. Darko stated. “AMA’s mandate is to connect this existing capacity, foster effective collaboration among NRAs, and serve as an enabler for coordinated, continent-wide regulatory strengthening.”
A Future-Ready Pharmaceutical Landscape
The Director General lauded the tremendous progress Africa has achieved in medicines regulation over recent years. However, she maintained that sustaining this momentum requires strong partnerships with international institutions like the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP).
The focus remains on ensuring that the next generation of medicines ranging from advanced vaccines to specialized therapies are safe, high-quality, and manufactured locally. Through these unified efforts, the AMA seeks to ensure that Africa’s regulatory landscape is not only robust but future-ready for the challenges of global health.
Share this
