The African Union Development Agency, NEPAD, has completed the handover of two key continental health programmes to the African Medicines Agency -AMA, marking a major boost to Africa’s medicines regulatory system.
The African Medicines Regulatory Harmonization programme and the AU Smart Safety Surveillance initiative were formally transferred to the African Medicines Agency during a high-level meeting held in Lusaka from January 22 to 23, 2026.
AUDA-NEPAD says the transition ensures a smooth and non-disruptive transfer of regulatory systems, processes, and resources built over the past 17 years, enabling the African Medicines Agency to fully carry out its continental mandate.
Speaking at the handover, AUDA-NEPAD Chief Executive Officer Nardos Bekele-Thomas said the move strengthens Africa’s capacity to guarantee access to safe, effective, and quality medical products.
The meeting brought together senior African Union officials, including the African Union Commission, Africa CDC, the leadership of the African Medicines Agency, and the Government of Rwanda, which is the host country.
The African Medicines Agency is the continental body responsible for regulating medical products across Africa, in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 development goals.
By Bruce Mwale
