President John Dramani Mahama has declared that Africaโs ambition to build a strong pharmaceutical manufacturing industry is no longer โa mere scribble on paperโ but a vision steadily moving towards reality.
Addressing Heads of State and government at the African Union Extraordinary Summit Day Two, President Mahama stressed the need for Africa to reduce its heavy dependence on imported medicines and medical supplies by investing in local pharmaceutical production and industrial transformation.
He noted that the continentโs reliance on external sources for essential health commodities remains a major vulnerability, adding that strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity is critical to achieving health security, driving economic transformation, and creating jobs for Africaโs growing youth population.
President Mahama also highlighted the concerning decline in development assistance for health, cautioning that many African countries continue to depend significantly on external funding to support their health systems. He described the situation as a defining moment that requires bold, homegrown solutions.
Framing health investment as both a social and economic priority, President Mahama called for a shift from commitments to concrete action, linking stronger health systems to economic growth, job creation, and long-term resilience across the continent.
In a strong appeal, President Mahama called on all African Heads of State, Health Ministers, policymakers, and partners present to turn commitments into action, stressing that Africaโs health future depends on bold decisions that deliver real results
