This article was written with support for Auda Nepad
“We are at a crossroads of deep urgency and opportunity,” Bekele-Thomas began by highlighting the pressing need for independence in pharmaceutical manufacturing. She highlighted challenges such as increased protectionism and declining donor funding that threatened access to essential health products in Africa. But she framed this moment as a catalyst for transformation.
Use AFCFTA for growth in the health sector
Bekele-Thomas highlighted the possibility that AFCFTA could serve as a foundation for building a robust pharmaceutical industry in Africa. She said, “The normal age of business cannot continue. Development must be rethinked and rooted in self-reliance, economic sovereignty, and transformative investment.” The CEO called for a unified health ecosystem that tackles the inefficiency of procurement and regulatory to meet the continent's health needs.
A continent of resilience and innovation
Despite the challenges, Bekele-Thomas celebrated Africa's resilience and innovation. She cited the continent's response to the Covid-19 pandemic as evidence of its collective strength. From Rwanda's drone delivery system to Kenya's expansion of telehealth, Africa demonstrates its ability to creatively address local health needs.
Auda-Nepad's Biosciences' South Africa Network (Sanbio) is crucial in advance of traditional African medicine in nature. Collaborative efforts between universities, scientific councils and pharmaceutical companies have already led to significant developments.
Vision of independence and economic sovereignty
In her speech, Bekele-Thomas outlined the Order Pad strategy for industrializing the African pharmaceutical sector. This agenda extends beyond medical production with the aim of creating a continental economy rooted in dignity, resilience and justice. Key initiatives include 24 Priority Medical Products Initiatives focused on expanding domestic production of key drugs, and the African Drug Control and Harmony Programme (AMRH), which streamlined the regulatory process to enable cross-border trade under the AFCFTA.
Bekele-Thomas also highlighted its investment and funding programme in the African Health Sector (PIFAH) aimed at mobilizing resources, fostering innovation and promoting Africa-led health discoveries.
A call for unified action
“If buyers are fragmented and procurement is unpredictable, Africa cannot produce on a large scale,” she warned, supporting Africa's CDC-led pool procurement mechanism. Bekele-Thomas has called on political leaders, financiers and stakeholders to unite in coordinating health and industry agendas.
The CEO concluded by coordinating the theme and vision of South Africa's G20 presidency: “Building for an inclusive and sustainable recovery.” She encouraged collective action to ensure that African health solutions are driven by African ingenuity and industry.
“This is our moment that ensures that the value that drives Africa's growth is rooted in our innovation,” she declared, leaving the audience with a sense of urgency and purpose.
