AMMTEC 2024 unites Africa’s pharmaceutical industry to spark a healthcare transformation
2 December 2024 – The close of the first African Medicines Manufacturing Trade Exhibition and Conference (AMMTEC) ushers in a new era of energy and commitment, shaking up the status quo in the manufacturing of medicines for the continent’s health systems.
From crisis to catalyst, never before have so many African medicine manufacturers united for change, demanding transformation in policy, practice, and accountability, to enable the right environment to produce the medicines Africa needs in order to save lives and build a healthier, more prosperous future
for all.
“For too long the discussions on how to accelerate our industry have not involved us. The paradigm shift is happening. Because of you, our members, we are taking ownership of our industry,” asserted Dr Skhumbuzo Ngozwana, Board Member of the Federation of African Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Associations (FAPMA) during the closing ceremony on 22 November 2024.
“There have been empty promises, bureaucratic red tape, and self-serving interests that have stifled progress. The future is not just about moving into action, but about accountability. As the African proverb says, only a fool builds a shield in the middle of a battle – and this is what we have been doing for
the past 60 – 70 years. We know we need a strong industry association for growth, for advocacy and for collaboration. We must do this now, as the next pandemic is coming – it is not a question of IF, but WHEN,” reiterated Dr Ngozwana.
The conference, hosted by FAPMA and Vizuri Health Dynamics Foundation (Vizuri), was not just about shaking up the status quo and pushing for reform in Africa. It was about a global healthcare transformation. Policy makers, regulators, financiers and industry players all asked the tough questions, and had candid conversations.
Dr Iain Barton, Founder of Health 4 Development – a partner of AMMTEC 2024 – reinforced the message by saying “Change is driven by unity and a shared vision. We must reject the status quo, and reshape the sector so that we can transform lives. A strong industry association can do this, and AMMTEC 2024 is our platform
to be heard and ignite change.”
Speaking on behalf of the industry, Dr Mariatou Tala Jallow (Chairperson of Vizuri) was clear in her expectations from various stakeholders. “At the culmination of AMMTEC 2024, FAPMA as the industry body representing the manufacturers, delivered a clear message of expectations from the various stakeholders: from our policy makers, we demand trade policies that encourage regional manufacturers and procurement policies that generously prefer them; from our valued regulators, we demand transparent, streamlined and predictable processes, clear guidelines, and a commitment to supporting local industry; from our esteemed financiers, we demand investments in local manufacturing capacity that address our needs; and finally, from our esteemed colleagues in the industry, we must unite and demand a level playing field. We must support each other, share knowledge and technology, and collaborate on projects that benefit the entire continent.”
Dr Sylvia Vito, Africa Head of Egypt’s EVA Pharma, a speaker and active supporter of AMMTEC 2024 stated “AMMTEC connected us with key stakeholders that play a critical role in our sector. These included global
and regional regulatory leaders plus fellow manufacturers and procurement partners. What an inspiration
to be together. It truly is time for Africa!”
“The time for talk is over. The time for action is now. Let us rise to the challenge and create a new era of African health commodity manufacturing, one that is driven by innovation, equity, and the unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of our people,” concluded Dr Ngozwana.
AMMTEC 2024 would not have been made possible without all of its sponsors and partners: The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, Viatris, UNITAID, US Pharmacopeia (USP), UNIDO, UNAIDS, COMESA, Anadach Consulting, Aurobindo, IQVIA, Logis-T Africa and Axess Health.
Speakers:
Prashant Sisodia, Vice President, Viatris
Paul Dhanani, Founder and CEO, Universal Corporation Limited, Kenya
Frank Muonemeh, Executive Secretary, Pharma Manufacturing Group, Nigeria
Moderator:
Dr Iain Barton, Founder, Health 4 Development (H4D)
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
