Challenges and Opportunities in the African Pharmaceutical Industry

Abstract

Background: The pharmaceutical industry in Africa has significant potential for growth; however, it is overwhelmed with grappling challenges. Nonetheless, these challenges can create a window of opportunities for innovation. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the profound challenges and opportunities in the continents pharmaceutical industry. Methods: Using data collected from published literature, reports and gray literature was used to conduct a narrative review. Using data collected from various publications related to the subject matter in African countries and other countries facing similar challenges in relation to drug manufacturing and access to essential medicines. Results: The high burden of both communicable and non-communicable and diseases create the need for increased production of medicines against the limited and incapacitated number of pharmaceutical industries available within the region. A number of challenges affecting the pharma sector growth in Africa includes, fewer pharmaceutical companies, exorbitant prices of raw materials, foreign dependence on importation of pharmaceutical products, increase counterfeit/falsified products on the market, poor investment into the pharmaceutical sector, research and development by government, shortage of skilled labor, poor infrastructure poor manufacturing conditions, regulatory challenges, limited technological advancement among others. Conclusion: This article reifies that the African pharma sector is faced with numerous challenges that also provides unique opportunities for growth and innovation in the region.

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