Conclusion of the African Ministerial Conference in Algiers and Issuance of the “Algiers Declaration” to Strengthen Health Sovereignty and Local Pharmaceutical Production
The African Ministerial Conference on local pharmaceutical production and other health technologies concluded this Friday evening, 28 November 2025, at the Abdelatif Rahal International Conference Center.
On this occasion, the Minister of Health, Professor Mohamed Seddik Ait Mesouadan, delivered a speech in which he affirmed that the African ministers responsible for health, pharmaceutical industries, trade, and other sectors meeting in Algeria are united around a common goal: strengthening the health sovereignty of the African continent through the development of local production of pharmaceutical products and health technologies.
The Minister indicated that the “Algiers Declaration” is the outcome of in-depth discussions, a shared vision, and a firm conviction that the future of health and the pharmaceutical industry in Africa must be built on collective will, strong local capacities, and effective strategic partnerships.
He added that the declaration clearly highlights the magnitude of the challenges facing the continent and sets out a practical roadmap that reflects our strong political will.
The declaration also emphasizes several operational pillars that serve as a foundation for achieving shared goals, the most important of which are:
1. Removing all regulatory barriers To facilitate safe, high-quality trade exchanges, and moving toward a more integrated and flexible African commercial space through a comprehensive review of systems and procedures that hinder the movement of raw materials and pharmaceutical products within the continent.
2. Harmonizing the legislative framework By adopting a unified legislative approach for the pharmaceutical industry across Africa, reducing legal and regulatory fragmentation between countries, and enabling manufacturers and investors to operate within a clear and transparent legal environment.
3. Establishing a continental platform for raw-material procurement Through the creation of a joint continental mechanism to consolidate orders for essential raw materials to ensure their availability.
4. Strengthening industrial cooperation Among African states to achieve the desired industrial complementarity, based on a shared vision that distributes roles among countries according to their technological and human capacities.
5. Enabling Algeria and several African countries To play a leading role in supporting the continent’s autonomy in the health sector, benefiting from their pioneering experience—such as the Arab Republic of Egypt—in the manufacture of medicines and vaccines and in developing health infrastructure.
6. Enhancing Africa’s autonomy in health technologies and scientific innovation By developing research and innovation systems across the continent and encouraging investment in biotechnology, artificial intelligence in health, vaccines, and smart medical devices to develop health solutions tailored to Africa’s needs.
7. Consolidating Algeria’s leadership As a driving force in the process of local pharmaceutical production and the development of African health systems.
The Minister also praised the continuous efforts made by African governments, national regulatory bodies, and continental institutions. He expressed appreciation for the contributions of experts, organizers, pharmaceutical industry leaders, and international partners in enriching the conference discussions.
He added that Algeria proudly places its experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing at the disposal of its African brothers to strengthen continental cooperation, enhance health security, and support sustainable development.
In conclusion, the Minister stressed that the current responsibility is a historic one: transforming this declaration from a political document into a realistic action program and tangible achievements that benefit every African citizen. He reaffirmed Algeria’s full commitment to continuing collective African efforts to achieve this noble goal.