In a significant stride toward advancing Africa’s health autonomy and pharmaceutical landscape, the African Union (AU) Commission, led by H.E. Amb Minata Samate Cessouma, Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development, joined the Government of the Republic of Rwanda in officially launching the eight-story, modern flagship facility designated as the headquarters for the African Medicines Agency (AMA) in Kigali. This momentous occasion reinforces the continent’s commitment to robust health regulatory frameworks, pharmaceutical innovation, and seamless cross-border medical product movement.
“The inauguration of the Africa Medicines Agency is a testament to the collective vision and dedication of the African Union and its member states. This journey has been marked by relentless advocacy for better health services, regulatory harmonisation, and establishing a strong, centralised agency to address the continent’s pharmaceutical needs. By operationalising AMA, we are laying the foundation for a healthier Africa, free from the shackles of substandard and falsified medicines,” stated H.E. Amb Minata Samate Cessouma.
The Africa Medicines Agency is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening regulatory oversight, ensuring that African nations collaborate on pharmaceutical standards, and facilitating timely and effective decision-making for health security.
Dr Sabin Nsanzimana, Rwanda’s Minister of Health, emphasised the nation’s dedication: “By hosting the headquarters of the African Medicines Agency, the Government of Rwanda reaffirms its commitment to advancing healthcare standards and ensuring access to high-quality medical products for all Africans. The AMA will enhance confidence in the safety of health products, promote cooperation in regulatory decisions, and facilitate the movement of medical products across the continent. Together, we are laying the foundation for a healthier, more self-reliant Africa.”
The recruitment process of the Director General from the State Parties is ongoing, plans are far advanced. It’s expected that a qualified, competent and committed DG who will drive the collective mandate and fulfil the strategic objectives of overcoming the challenges of weak regulatory systems, promoting globally accepted scientific guidelines, and eliminating significant risks to public health would have been selected for submission and consideration by the Heads of State and Government of the AU Assembly.
The official handover of the AMA headquarters to the African Union Commission represents a significant milestone in advancing the AU’s Agenda 2063 vision for a healthier, self-reliant continent. This event paves the way for a new era of strategic collaboration, regulatory cohesion, and health innovation across Africa. With the interim Secretariat already settled in Kigali, and receiving comprehensive support from the Government of Rwanda, including provision of the state-of-the-art facilities and brand-new vehicles.
“This moment is beyond an infrastructure milestone; it is about empowering Africa with the structures and leadership necessary to achieve health security, resilience, universal health coverage and sustainable development,”underscored Commissioner Samate Cessouma.
The AMA’s operationalisation marks a critical turning point for Africa, enhancing regulatory oversight and harmonisation, pharmaceutical regulation, supporting local production, manufacturing and distribution, and fostering innovation to protect millions across the continent from falsified and substandard medical products. The journey towards African health sovereignty continues with resolute momentum.
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For further information, please contact:
Dr. Benjamin Djoudalbaye I Head of Interim AMA Secretariat | Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development | African Union Commission Tel: +251 901 091 175 | E-mail: BenjaminD@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia |
Ms. Whitney Mwangi I Health Communication and Advocacy Specialist | Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, | African Union Commission | Tel: +251 901 097 067 | E-mail: WhitneyM@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia |
Jean Bosco Ntirenganya | Division Manager | Rwanda Health Communication Centre | Tel: +250788814835 | E-mail: jeanbosco.ntirenganya@rbc.gov.rw
Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org
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