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The Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) and the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) have signed a bilateral agreement aimed at strengthening cooperation in the regulation of medical products between the two countries.
The strategic partnership seeks to bolster regulatory functions in several key areas, including the detection of substandard and falsified medicines, implementation of track-and-trace systems, and the adoption of emerging technologies such as nanotechnology and biotechnology in medicine.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday, MCAZ Director-General Richard Rukwata said the agreement also covered collaboration on vaccine production, Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) manufacturing, and other cutting-edge scientific and regulatory domains.
“This agreement underscores our shared commitment to advancing public health, fostering innovation, and ensuring access to safe, quality, and efficacious medical products for the citizens of both countries,” Rukwata said.
He noted that the framework promoted technical cooperation, including information sharing, capacity building, joint participation in international forums, mutual recognition of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) inspections, and facilitating cross-border pharmaceutical investment.
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“This collaboration marks a significant milestone in regional regulatory convergence. By working together, ZAMRA and MCAZ will leverage each other’s expertise and resources to strengthen the fight against substandard and falsified medical products, and promote public health and safety in both nations,” Rukwata added.
ZAMRA Director-General, Makomani Siyanga, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the agreement reflects a united front in the quest for pharmaceutical integrity.
“This partnership underscores our mutual dedication to ensuring that only safe, effective, and quality-assured medical products are accessible in our respective markets,” Siyanga said.
He described the collaboration as a proactive step toward regulatory harmonization, operational efficiency, and innovation, positioning both countries to respond more effectively to emerging public health challenges.
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