Developing Africa’s Pharmaceutical Workforce for A Self-Sustaining Industry
1
Training & Programs Management, African Pharmaceutical Network (APN), Nairobi, Kenya
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Reliable access to quality, safe, and effective health products and technologies in Africa depends on a resilient and self-sustaining pharmaceutical manufacturing system. This hinges on a skilled, market-ready workforce capable of supporting local manufacturing and health systems. Yet, pharmacy education in Sub-Saharan Africa remains largely theoretical, often failing to equip graduates with practical, industry-relevant competencies . This disconnect contributes to workforce gaps that limit local production capacity and access to essential medicines, creating an urgent need for training programs aligned with current market demands.
METHODS:
To address this, the African Pharmaceutical Network launched the Pharmacy Academy to offer short, industry-aligned courses in areas such as Regulatory Affairs, Pharmacovigilance & Patient Safety, and Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Management, among others. These programs are delivered by industry experts for practical relevance and are accredited by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) and Kenya’s Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) for quality-assurance purposes. The Academy also supports broader skills integration through industry discussion forums, structured mentorship, and Communities of Practice.
RESULTS:
Since its inception, the Pharmacy Academy has equipped 500+ pharmacists across the world with market-relevant skills. In geographical distribution, we have 75% from East Africa, 10% from West Africa, 7% Central Africa, 5% Southern Africa and 3% from Europe and Caribbean States. We have delivered 30 + industry discussion forums reaching more than 10,000 participants and established Communities of Practice for structured mentorship program. Notably, 2 in 5 of our alumni report career growth and improved job performance.
CONCLUSIONS:
Integrated skills development is a critical for building Africa’s pharmaceutical resilience and self-sustenance. The Pharmacy Academy model shows how targeted skills development, mentorship, and collaboration can strengthen local capacity and ensure sustainable access to quality-assured health products and technologies.
Reliable access to quality, safe, and effective health products and technologies in Africa depends on a resilient and self-sustaining pharmaceutical manufacturing system. This hinges on a skilled, market-ready workforce capable of supporting local manufacturing and health systems. Yet, pharmacy education in Sub-Saharan Africa remains largely theoretical, often failing to equip graduates with practical, industry-relevant competencies . This disconnect contributes to workforce gaps that limit local production capacity and access to essential medicines, creating an urgent need for training programs aligned with current market demands.
METHODS:
To address this, the African Pharmaceutical Network launched the Pharmacy Academy to offer short, industry-aligned courses in areas such as Regulatory Affairs, Pharmacovigilance & Patient Safety, and Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Management, among others. These programs are delivered by industry experts for practical relevance and are accredited by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) and Kenya’s Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) for quality-assurance purposes. The Academy also supports broader skills integration through industry discussion forums, structured mentorship, and Communities of Practice.
RESULTS:
Since its inception, the Pharmacy Academy has equipped 500+ pharmacists across the world with market-relevant skills. In geographical distribution, we have 75% from East Africa, 10% from West Africa, 7% Central Africa, 5% Southern Africa and 3% from Europe and Caribbean States. We have delivered 30 + industry discussion forums reaching more than 10,000 participants and established Communities of Practice for structured mentorship program. Notably, 2 in 5 of our alumni report career growth and improved job performance.
CONCLUSIONS:
Integrated skills development is a critical for building Africa’s pharmaceutical resilience and self-sustenance. The Pharmacy Academy model shows how targeted skills development, mentorship, and collaboration can strengthen local capacity and ensure sustainable access to quality-assured health products and technologies.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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