VIENNA, 25 February 2020 – A new set of publications comprising a regional reference framework and country-specific roadmap documents has been released to support the development of the pharmaceutical industry in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). It was produced by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) with financial support from the West African Health Organization (WAHO).

The publications feature a risk-based and stepwise approach towards compliance with international standards of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). GMP is a system for ensuring that products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards. It is designed to minimize the risks involved in any pharmaceutical production that cannot be eliminated through testing the final product.

Implementing these tools within the region will be part of a comprehensive programme that UNIDO and WAHO are currently developing in order to strengthen the West African pharmaceutical manufacturing industry.

Together, the two organizations want to address key bottlenecks for the long-term viability of the sector, with pertinent aspects including access to investment and technology, human resource development, strengthening quality infrastructure and policy incentives that would enable the sector to improve access to high-quality and affordable essential medicines and contribute to the economic growth of the ECOWAS region.

The pharmaceutical industry in Africa is a priority sector for the Third Industrial Development Decade for Africa (IDDA III), which is operationalized by UNIDO as per the resolution of the UN General Assembly in 2016.

The framework document, available in English, French and Portuguese, as well as the Roadmaps for all ECOWAS Member States can be accessed here.

For further information, please contact:

Alastair West

Project Manager

Department of Trade, Investment and Innovation

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