AMMTEC 2024: Igniting a revolution in African medicine manufacturing
21 November 2024 – Last night at the opening ceremony of the inaugural African Medicines Manufacturing Trade Exhibition and Conference (AMMTEC 2024) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Dr Skhumbuzo Ngozwana, Board Member of the Federation of African Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Associations (FAPMA), galvanised the industry to step up and demand change.
“We have to do things differently. It’s time for us to claim our space and seat at the table. Yes, progress has been painstakingly slow, but AMMTEC gives us an opportunity to get back on track. We have to do whatever it takes to make sure that when the next COVID comes, the continent is prepared, and that we don’t go to anyone with a begging bowl in our hand,” emphasised Dr Ngozwana.
The hosts of AMMTEC 2024, FAPMA and Vizuri Health Dynamics (Vizuri) have set the task of enabling a vibrant, resilient and globally competitive African pharmaceutical industry. During the opening ceremony alongside Dr Ngozwana and Jens Pedersen representing Africa CDC, Dr Mariatou Tala Jallow, Chairperson of Vizuri announced: “Today, we ignite a revolution in African pharmaceutical manufacturing. AMMTEC 2024 is not just a conference; it is a catalyst for transformation, where manufacturers take on ownership and have the hard conversations to forge the future of Africa manufacturing. This is a journey where we walk together to get far but also walk faster”.
AMMTEC 2024 is the first of its kind to bring together so many African medicine manufacturers from all regions and across dose-forms of critical health commodities. The turn out and representation of industry players from across the continent is testament to the importance and urgency of building Africa’s resilience and self-sufficiency when it comes to medicine.
More than 30 African medicine manufacturers were in attendance, representing the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe – covering manufacturers of pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, vaccines, and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).
“We will no longer accept the status quo, where our continent remains a passive consumer of healthcare solutions. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the critical need for local manufacturing capacity, and we are determined to harness the lessons learned to build a resilient and sustainable healthcare industry,” reiterated Dr Ngozwana.
Today, the first plenary session, is aligned to the theme of “Shaping the Market: Moving from intent to demand for African manufactured medicines”. The conference will then split into 2 tracks:
• Track 1: Unlocking Markets, Demand Generation, & Securing Offtake
• Track 2: Technical Operations, Blended Finance & Business Practice
African medicine manufacturers demand a paradigm shift in continental healthcare, and AMMTEC is positioned to catalyse and drive change for the industry. Key topics on the agenda include driving incentives and preference, securing sustainable funding, unlocking the private sector and group purchasing of input materials. The conference will seek to answer difficult, yet critical questions, such as: How can we increase our self-reliance? What policies are needed to incentivise investment in local production? What changes are needed to ensure preference from governments and development purchasers? How can manufacturers access patient capital for growth? And, how do we position African medicines as first choice for procurers, professionals and patients?
AMMTEC 2024 will also include the following sessions:
• A UNIDO hosted session entitled ‘Revitalising the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plan for Africa for Pandemic Preparedness and Resilience: A Call to Action’.
• A UNAIDS hosted working lunch focusing on: ‘Accelerating Local Production of Medicines and Health Commodities through South-South Collaboration: The Africa – China – UN Tripartite Framework’.
• A UNITAID hosted industry consultation: ‘Pre-agreements and Enablers to Secure Pivotal Integration of Emergency Countermeasures Production by Regional Manufacturers’.
AMMTEC 2024 is not mere discussion; it’s about forging actionable solutions that will position Africa as the primary producer of its own health commodities. The decisions made at AMMTEC 2024 will shape the future of healthcare on the continent. Expect bold initiatives, groundbreaking partnerships, and a renewed commitment to Africa’s self-sufficient healthcare.
The urgency of AMMTEC’s mission cannot be overstated. Dr. Ngozwana issues a powerful call to action: “To every stakeholder in African healthcare – manufacturers, policymakers, investors, and healthcare professionals – the time to act is now. AMMTEC 2024 is your platform to shape the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing in Africa. Together, we can build a self-reliant, innovative, and resilient pharmaceutical industry that serves all Africans.”
With the support of AMMTEC 2024’s sponsors and partners, the conference will prove to be catalytic in its outcomes. Thanks to: The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, Viatris, UNITAID, US Pharmacopeia (USP), UNIDO, UNAIDS, COMESA, Anadach, Aurobindo, IQVIA, Health 4 Development (H4D), FAPMA, Vizuri, Logis-T Africa and Axess Health.
Industry leaders, policymakers, and healthcare professionals across Africa and beyond are urged to engage and heed the outcomes of AMMTEC 2024, which will be announced on Friday 22 November 2024. Whether through attendance, partnership, or support, every contribution moves us closer to a self-sufficient African pharmaceutical sector. For more information, visit www.ammtec.org.za
About AMMTEC
AMMTEC 2024 is the inaugural African Medicines Manufacturing Trade Exhibition and Conference (AMMTEC) which is taking place from 20 to 22 November 2024 at the Johari Rotana Hotel in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
AMMTEC will be an annual conference for African medicine manufacturers, by African medicine manufacturers, and about African medicine manufacturers. AMMTEC builds on the groundswell of interest and funding to connect African pharmaceutical manufacturers with procurers, suppliers, financiers, regulators and technical support. It will highlight successes, facilitate learning, and host roundtable meetings
and side sessions to address specific barriers and opportunities.
AMMTEC is hosted by The Federation of African Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Associations (FAPMA) and Vizuri Health Dynamics (Vizuri) – an African non-profit organisation created to foster a competitive African pharmaceutical manufacturing sector. It is powered by Health 4 Development (H4D) – a strategic advisor operating across the full healthcare value chain, with support from Upavon as the event secretariat.
For further information visit www.ammtec.org.za
