Ruto Pushes for Faster Investment in Africa’s Pharmaceutical Manufacturing at Africa Forward Summit
President William Ruto has urged African nations and investors to accelerate investments in pharmaceutical manufacturing, saying the continent must strengthen health sovereignty and reduce reliance on imported medical supplies.
President William Ruto speaks during the AIM2030 high-level breakfast meeting in Nairobi, where he called for accelerated investment in Africa’s pharmaceutical manufacturing and health sovereignty agenda. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
President William Ruto has called for accelerated investment in Africa’s pharmaceutical manufacturing sector and health sovereignty agenda during the high-level AIM2030 breakfast meeting held alongside the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi.
The President said Africa must reduce its dependence on external supply chains for medicines, vaccines, and critical health products, noting that despite carrying nearly 25 per cent of the global disease burden, the continent produces less than six per cent of its medical supplies.
“Africa can no longer rely heavily on external supply chains for medicines, vaccines and critical health products,” Ruto said.
He emphasized the need to establish integrated and self-sustaining pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystems capable of responding to future health emergencies while supporting industrialisation, job creation, and economic growth.
President Ruto also called for the accelerated implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the operationalisation of the African Medicines Agency (AMA) to help harmonise regulations, unlock economies of scale, and create predictable markets for local manufacturers.
The Head of State reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to positioning itself as a regional hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing, health innovation, and medical supply chains through strategic investments, infrastructure development, and regulatory reforms.
He further urged governments, development partners, and private sector players to move beyond commitments and invest in scalable projects capable of transforming healthcare systems across the continent.
“Through AIM2030, Africa is taking deliberate steps towards building a healthcare future designed, manufactured and sustained by Africans for Africa,” he said.
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