Review of policies and strategies for the pharmaceutical production sector in Africa: policy coherence, best practices and future prospective

Abstract

The pharmaceutical industry in Africa faces many challenges. Facilities and production practices need to be upgraded to meet international standards. Large capital investments, highly specific expertise and specially trained workers, increased regulatory oversight, as well as an overall positive business environment, are all necessary for the industry to develop. There is evidence emerging from case studies suggesting that, although India, China and Brazil continue to be major producers and suppliers of cheaper medicines serving the needs of African markets, the pharmaceutical sectors in many African countries are transforming. Strong strategic interests are beginning to catalyze direct government support of local production, with an emphasis on the promotion of access to medicines, followed closely by industrial policy concerns. This study provides an overview of the state of pharmaceutical production in Africa and identifies challenges in the sector. Additionally, it assesses the coherence or/and inconsistencies of policy frameworks surrounding the pharmaceutical sector on the African continent, and recommends policies to increase the production and sustainability of the supply of medicines for improved health outcomes. Also, the study seeks to identify best practices that have supported the development of the pharmaceutical industry in Africa and other continents.