On Saturday, 10 June, Rwanda and the African Union Commission (AUC) finalized agreements for the establishment of the first-ever African Medicines Agency in Kigali.

This marked a major step forward in the operation of the newly founded agency, following the country’s official approval in hosting the headquarters on its territory. 

The African countries adopted the treaty to establish the Agency in 2019, which came into effect in 2021. 

One of the aims of the institution is to reduce the continent’s reliance on pharmaceutical products imported from foreign countries,as Africa imports 97% of the pharmaceutical products it requires. 

It is also expected to regulate and harmonize the market of pharmaceuticals, boost production in African countries, and thwart the circulation of counterfeit medicines. 

Minata Samaté Cessouma, AU Commissioner for Health, stated that the agency should provide “African solutions” to prepare for pandemics, such as Covid-19. 

Meanwhile, Rwandan Minister of Health Sabin Nsanzimana declared this as the first move towards the full operation of the African Union agency. 

The second extraordinary session of the 23 States that have ratified the treaty establishing the agency will be held in Kigali a few days from now and will include a discussion of staff recruitment.