Zambia nears ratification of African Medicines Agency agreement

Technology and Science Minister, Felix Mutati, says government is finalising domestic processes to ratify the African Medicines Agency (AMA) agreement, a milestone expected to strengthen Zambia’s pharmaceutical industry and improve access to safe, affordable medicines across the continent.

Mutati said the move would not only enhance Zambia’s regulatory framework but also align the country with the African Union’s Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plan for Africa (PMPA), which seeks to boost local drug production and reduce dependence on imports.

Delivering Mutati’s remarks on his behalf, Permanent Secretary, Brilliant Habeenzu said this during the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Pharmaceutical Business-to-Business Conference held in Lusaka on Thursay under the theme “Medicines Availability and Use in Africa – Adapting and Responding to the New Normal.”

Mutati explained that the SADC Industrialisation Strategy, the COMESA Regional Pharmaceutical Plan, and Zambia’s forthcoming ratification of the AMA are vital steps toward achieving Africa’s pharmaceutical sovereignty and promoting technology transfer through regional value chains.

“These frameworks are essential for establishing a self-reliant pharmaceutical industry in Africa that can support sustainable healthcare delivery,” he said.

The Minister emphasised the importance of investing in human capital, particularly in training young scientists, engineers, and innovators in biotechnology, regulatory science, and pharmaceutical engineering.

He noted that the conference provided a timely platform for Zambia to build partnerships that strengthen its pharmaceutical ecosystem and boost local manufacturing.

“This platform allows us to explore strategies for improving the availability of medicines, promoting innovation, and building resilience in response to global health challenges,” he added.

Mutati further revealed that Zambia currently imported more than 70 percent of its essential medicines — a dependence that raised costs and exposed the country to global supply disruptions.

“Our heavy reliance on imports increases costs and exposes us to supply chain disruptions, especially during global crises. We must work toward self-sufficiency,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, SADC Secretariat Senior Programmes Officer for HIV/AIDS, Lamboly Kumboneki, urged member states to harmonise pharmaceutical product regulations to ensure the free movement of medicines across the region.

Kumboneki said coordinated policies and a strong regulatory environment were essential to stimulate growth in the pharmaceutical sector and guarantee equitable access to quality medicines for all Africans.

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