NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 28 – Local pharmaceutical manufacturers and financiers gathered at Radisson Blu, Nairobi, for the Second APIFA Breakfast Meeting under the theme “Unlocking Financing for Local Manufacturing: Advancing Sustainable Health Systems in Africa.”
The event aimed to bridge the gap between manufacturers and financiers, fostering actionable investments to strengthen Africa’s pharmaceutical production and healthcare systems.
Dr. Frankline Keter, CEO of API For Africa, highlighted the need for innovative financing mechanisms to address the sector’s challenges, including regulatory hurdles, technology access, and market barriers.
“By combining instruments like commercial loans, equity investments, and volume guarantees, we can de-risk investments and unlock opportunities for growth,” said Keter.
Key participants, including AfricInvest, USAID, IFC, and the EIB, discussed strategies like impact-based and blended financing to secure supply chains and foster economic growth.
Dr. Gerald Macharia, APIFA Board Chair, called for direct connections between financiers and manufacturers, facilitated by intermediaries, to overcome access barriers and simplify funding processes.
The meeting marked a significant step toward aligning stakeholders to drive pharmaceutical manufacturing and achieve sustainable health outcomes in Africa.
