Mombasa, Kenya — 11 November 2025: Experts are urging closer collaboration between regulators and the pharmaceutical industry to strengthen the registration and approval of human medicinal products across the continent.

The call was made during a side event titled “Insights from the Continental Pilot on Listing of Human Medicinal Products,” held as part of the 7th Scientific Conference on Medical Products Regulation in Africa (SCoMRA VII). The session was moderated by Dr Kariuki Gachoki, Head of Product Registration at the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) and Chair of the Forum of Heads of Medicines Authorities.

Deliberations focused on lessons from the continental pilot and on streamlining regulatory processes through stronger collaboration, data sharing, and capacity building among Member States. Panelists emphasised that sustained dialogue between regulators and the pharmaceutical industry is vital to improving efficiency, transparency, and alignment in product evaluation and registration.

The side event forms part of SCoMRA’s broader framework for promoting shared learning and coordinated regulatory practices aimed at expanding access to quality, safe, and effective medical products across Africa.

Panelists included Aude Minyem Perine Ngombi (EMP-TC Chair), Wayne Muller (GMP-TC Chair), Martin Harvey (EMA), David Mukanga (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation), Christine Ledimo (MSD), Kudzai Mkhau (Varichem), and Eric Owusu (Ghana FDA).

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