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Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceuticals is the industry sector concerned with the research, development, manufacture and distribution of medicinal drugs and therapies for human and animal health. The sector encompasses prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, vaccines, biologics and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Pharmaceutical companies range from multinational corporations conducting advanced research into novel treatments to generic manufacturers producing off-patent medicines at scale. The industry is heavily regulated, with products subject to rigorous clinical trials and approval processes by national medicines authorities. Key activities include drug discovery, formulation science, clinical testing, regulatory compliance, manufacturing under good manufacturing practice standards, and supply-chain management. Pharmaceuticals plays a vital role in public health systems and represents a significant component of healthcare expenditure worldwide. In Africa, the sector is growing as governments and regional bodies seek to strengthen local manufacturing capacity, reduce import dependence and improve access to essential medicines. Major pharmaceutical markets on the continent include South Africa, Kenya, Egypt and Nigeria, with increasing investment in production facilities and distribution networks across East and West Africa. The industry faces challenges including intellectual property debates, pricing pressures, counterfeiting and the need for cold-chain infrastructure in remote areas.

Pharmaceuticals Updates


Automation in African Manufacturing: Unlocking the Continent’s Industrial Potential
Automation in African Manufacturing: Unlocking the Continent’s Industrial Potential
26th May 2026

As Africa accelerates its industrialisation agenda under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), automation is emerging as one of the most powerful tools to unlock productivity,... 


An image of Apen's facility
Aspen to release first commercial batches of locally-made human insulin
5th May 2026 By: Tasneem Bulbulia

JSE-listed Aspen Pharmacare has received approval from the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority and will start the release of the first commercial batches of human insulin... 


A FedEx aeroplane landing
South Africa needs efficient air cargo hubs to boost economic growth
28th April 2026 By: Rebecca Campbell

Efficient performance by South Africa’s air cargo hubs was a key strategic instrument to propel the country’s economic growth and increase its competitiveness in world markets. So highlighted FedEx... 


Manufacturing Indaba 2026 to Accelerate 'Made in Africa' Agenda as Continent Pushes to Move from 3% to Global Manufacturing Powerhouse
Manufacturing Indaba 2026 to Accelerate 'Made in Africa' Agenda as Continent Pushes to Move from 3% to Global Manufacturing Powerhouse
24th April 2026

Africa's premier manufacturing event, the Manufacturing Indaba, returns to the Sandton Convention Centre on 14–15 July 2026 under the theme “Made in Africa: Scaling Growth, Shaping Trade”.  The... 


Anton Paar Southern Africa
Anton Paar Southern Africa
24th April 2026

High-end laboratory instruments provider Anton Paar Southern Africa is the regional subsidiary of Anton Paar GmbH, a global technology leader in high-precision laboratory and process instrumentation.  


Manufacturing Indaba 2026 to accelerate 'Made in Africa' agenda as continent pushes to move from 3% to global manufacturing powerhouse
21st April 2026

Africa's premier manufacturing event, the Manufacturing Indaba, returns to the Sandton Convention Centre on 14–15 July 2026 under the theme “Made in Africa: Scaling Growth, Shaping Trade”.  The... 


VEGA’s winning formula for reliable process control
VEGA’s winning formula for reliable process control
27th March 2026

For over 60 years, VEGA has been at the forefront of level and pressure measurement technology, supporting industries such as chemicals, food, mining, pharmaceuticals, water, oil and gas. Committed... 


SAHPRA to monitor Citro-Soda production standards following recall
24th March 2026 By: Chanel de Bruyn

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) says it will continue to monitor the implementation of actions by pharmaceutical company Adcock Ingram at its Clayville, Gauteng,... 


Innovation, Automation and Sustainability to take centre stage in West Africa
Innovation, Automation and Sustainability to take centre stage in West Africa
2nd March 2026

Nigeria remains one of Africa’s most dynamic economic hubs, with a large and youthful consumer base driving demand across food and beverage, personal care, pharmaceuticals and e-commerce. That... 


ARVs
Parly committee flags ARV imports by companies listed as local
19th February 2026 By: Thabi Shomolekae

Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health chairperson Faith Muthambi is urging greater transparency and accountability in the process of awarding of antiretroviral drugs tenders by the Department... 


Aspen delivers encouraging interim performance
Aspen delivers encouraging interim performance
12th February 2026 By: Sabrina Jardim

JSE-listed Aspen Pharmacare Holdings has reported that the group delivered an encouraging performance for the first half of its current financial year, supported by the continued strong momentum in... 


Strengthening Africa’s Pharma Supply Chain Through Cold-Chain Compliance
15th January 2026

By: Clement Kgatla - Responsible Pharmacist, Bidvest International Logistics   Across Africa, I have seen how the ability to deliver safe and effective medicines depends on one critical factor:... 


Digitally designed – this is how life sciences can stay on track
Digitally designed – this is how life sciences can stay on track
5th January 2026

By: Johan Potgieter - Cluster Industrial Software Lead at Schneider Electric Life sciences, which include pharmaceutical and biotech companies, today operate under intense scrutiny. Regulatory... 


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