Africa Launches Groundbreaking Medical Regulator to Boost Healthcare Self-Sufficiency

13 November 2025

By Nokusa Masuku

Africa has taken a major step toward transforming its healthcare system with the official launch of the African Medicines Agency (AMA), the continent’s first-ever medical regulator.

The new agency will help African countries approve and monitor medicines locally, reducing dependence on foreign regulators.

At present, only nine out of 55 African Union member states have systems that meet World Health Organization standards.

The AMA will also make it easier for medicines approved in one African country to be recognized across others, improving access to essential drugs.
Another key goal is to promote more research and clinical trials within Africa.

Currently, the continent hosts just three percent of global trials, meaning many treatments are not designed for African populations.