Building Africa’s health autonomy: the critical role of SCoMRA VII

AFRICA'S health sovereignty hangs in the balance. When policymakers, regulators, scientists and industry leaders converge in Mombasa, Kenya, for the 7th Scientific Conference on Medical Products Regulation in Africa (SCoMRA VII), they'll tackle the defining question of our generation: Can the continent forge true health independence?

- CHIMWEMWE CHAMDIMBA

THE UPCOMING Seventh Scientific Conference on Medical Products Regulation in Africa (SCoMRA VII) represents a pivotal moment in Africa's quest for health sovereignty. This author explores how the Mombasa conference will address critical regulatory harmonisation challenges, potentially transforming the continent's ability to manufacture and distribute its own medical products, reduce dependency on imports. IAN LANDSBERG Independent Newspapers

Under the banner of Regulatory Harmonisation: Unlocking Africa’s Potential in Health Product Manufacturing and Trade, this three-day gathering (from November 11-13) 2025) represents more than a conference, as it’s a collective commitment to build the institutions, systems and trust that will secure Africa’s health future.

Organised by the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) in collaboration with the World Health Organization, the African Union Commission, Africa CDC and the African Medicines Agency (AMA), SCoMRA VII stands as Africa’s premier platform for evidence-based dialogue and policy alignment in medical products regulation.

It brings together over 500 delegates from across Africa and beyond, reaffirming that health regulation is not a technical exercise but a cornerstone of the continent’s economic and developmental agenda.

For decades, Africa’s health challenges have been defined by access, affordability and dependency on global supply chains. Yet behind every imported medicine or delayed vaccine lies a deeper problem of fragmented regulatory systems that slow down approval, stifle innovation and deter investment.

More than 90 percent of medicines used in Africa are imported, while less than one percent of vaccines are produced locally. This imbalance leaves the continent exposed to external shocks, pricing disparities, and shortages in times of crisis.