President John Dramani Mahama has declared that Africa’s vision of building a strong pharmaceutical manufacturing industry is steadily becoming a reality, urging leaders across the continent to intensify efforts to reduce dependence on imported medicines and medical supplies.
Addressing Heads of State and Government on the second day of the African Union Extraordinary Summit, President Mahama said Africa’s pharmaceutical manufacturing agenda has moved beyond ambition and is now entering a phase of implementation.
He noted that the continent’s heavy reliance on imported essential medicines and health commodities continues to expose African countries to significant vulnerabilities, making it imperative to invest in local pharmaceutical production.
According to the President, strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity will improve access to essential medicines, enhance health security and support Africa’s broader industrialisation agenda.
He said developing the pharmaceutical industry would also contribute to economic transformation by creating employment opportunities for the continent’s growing youth population.
President Mahama further expressed concern about the decline in international development assistance for health, noting that many African countries continue to depend heavily on external funding to sustain their healthcare systems.
He described the situation as a defining moment for the continent, calling for bold, homegrown solutions that will make African health systems more resilient and self-sufficient.
The President emphasised that investment in healthcare should be regarded not only as a social responsibility but also as an economic strategy capable of driving sustainable growth, industrial development and job creation.
He urged African leaders, health ministers, policymakers and development partners to move beyond policy declarations and translate their commitments into concrete actions.
President Mahama stressed that the future of healthcare on the continent will depend on decisive leadership, sustained investment and a collective commitment to building a competitive pharmaceutical manufacturing industry in Africa.
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