AfriSummit 2024: Africa’s Health leaders rally for Pharma Innovation, unified regulations

More than 80 regional and international experts joined over 300 pharmaceutical and medical device professionals at AfriSummit 2024, a four-day hybrid conference held at the Grand Nile Tower.

Hosted by PharmaReg and MedDevReg, this event was dedicated to advancing pharmaceutical and medical device regulations across Africa, featuring hands-on training in eCTD and Pharmacovigilance, all in the pursuit of a healthier continent.

Dr. Rasha Ziada, Assistant Chairman for Professional Development and Capacity Building at the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA), led the opening remarks.

“Achieving WHO maturity Level 3 is not merely a milestone but a responsibility,” Dr. Ziada asserted, adding that”We are committed to supporting other African countries in reaching this level of regulatory maturity.”

She further emphasized the EDA’s mission to safeguard and regulate medicine use both in Egypt and across Africa.

AfriSummit 2024 also showcased cutting-edge approaches to drug trials and approvals, highlighted by intensive workshops.

Dr. Mona Al Moussli, Chairman of AfriSummit, remarked, “This year’s summit was extraordinary, with exceptional contributions from industry leaders, underscoring the urgent need for harmonized regulatory practices across Africa and a unified healthcare system.”

Dignitaries from across Africa, including ambassadors, ministers, and diplomats, attended the summit, underlining its importance on the international stage.

Dr. Najiba Al Shezawy, Co-Chairman of AfriSummit, expressed her gratitude for the participation of African National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs), stating, “We deeply appreciate the valuable insights and engagement from NRAs across the continent, which are essential in building robust regulatory frameworks and fostering collaboration.”

The event included dynamic roundtable discussions that fostered cross-sector collaboration on regulatory challenges and emerging opportunities in the pharmaceutical and healthcare fields.

AfriSummit 2024 solidified its reputation as Africa’s premier annual gathering for regulatory affairs, a critical meeting point for stakeholders across a rapidly growing sector.

As the summit concluded, it left a resounding call for continued collaboration and commitment to elevating healthcare standards throughout Africa, reinforcing AfriSummit’s role as a catalyst for transformative change in the pharmaceutical landscape across the continent.