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In a landmark agreement aimed at enhancing regulatory efficiency and improving access to essential medical products across Africa, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) alongside six other national regulatory agencies.
The agreement fosters collaboration, streamlines regulatory decisions, and supports local pharmaceutical production to ensure timely access to medicines, vaccines, and medical devices.
The MoU was signed by regulatory authorities from Ghana (FDA), Nigeria (NAFDAC), Rwanda (FDA), Senegal (ARP), South Africa (SAHPRA), Tanzania (TMDA), and Zimbabwe (MCAZ). Under this agreement, the agencies commit to reducing approval timelines for medical products by sharing regulatory data, work-sharing, and relying on one another’s assessment reports. This initiative aims to eliminate duplication of processes, reduce costs, and create a more agile regulatory environment.
The agreement facilitates faster regulatory approvals by enabling authorities to share evaluation reports, laboratory results, and good manufacturing practice (GMP) inspections, expediting decision-making processes. By leveraging shared regulatory decisions, the MoU ensures that essential medical products reach African populations more quickly. It also enhances collaboration among regulatory bodies, allowing them to support each other while maintaining their independent decision-making powers.
With the optimization of resources, countries with limited regulatory infrastructure can benefit from stronger agencies, improving overall capacity and public health standards. The MoU aligns with the African Medicines Regulatory Harmonization (AMRH) initiative and contributes to the establishment of the African Medicines Agency (AMA). It also supports the Africa CDC’s goal of strengthening local pharmaceutical production and ensuring efficient regulatory oversight.
H.E. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, CEO of AUDA-NEPAD, emphasized the importance of regulatory trust in achieving Africa’s health goals, stating, “For Africa to achieve a harmonized regulatory system, we must build trust in one another’s regulatory decisions. This agreement is a step forward in fostering collaboration and ensuring safe and effective medical products reach our populations faster.”
Similarly, H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, highlighted the MoU’s role in improving Africa’s preparedness for public health crises. “By streamlining regulatory approvals, this partnership enhances Africa’s ability to respond swiftly to outbreaks and health emergencies.”
This marks a significant milestone in strengthening Africa’s regulatory landscape and accelerating access to life-saving medicines. With continued collaboration among regulatory agencies, Africa is taking a decisive step toward ensuring a resilient, self-sufficient healthcare system that meets the needs of its growing population.
