Kagame Pushes for Stronger Continental Health Systems through AMA

Kagame made the remarks on Monday during a high-level meeting at Village Urugwiro with Ambassador Amma Twum-Amoah, the African Union (AU) Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, and Dr. Delese Mimi Darko, the first Director-General of the AMA.

The discussions focused on accelerating the operationalization of the agency’s headquarters in Kigali and enhancing collaboration with national medicine regulatory authorities to ensure Africans have access to safe, effective, and affordable medical products.

Established under the African Union framework, AMA aims to harmonize medicine regulation across Africa and promote the development of local pharmaceutical industries. Its Kigali headquarters symbolizes a significant step toward building a coordinated and resilient continental health system.

Rwanda was chosen to host the AMA headquarters in 2022 following a decision by African leaders in Lusaka, Zambia. The host country agreement between Rwanda and the AU Commission was signed in June 2023, and the headquarters was inaugurated in November 2024.

President Kagame has consistently advocated for African nations to invest in self-sufficiency within the health sector, noting that institutions like AMA will reduce dependence on external markets for essential medicines.

“Strong health systems are vital for Africa’s resilience and future. The AMA provides a platform to ensure quality healthcare products for every African,” Kagame said, according to the Office of the President.

The AMA is expected to play a pivotal role in implementing the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plan for Africa and fostering collaboration among national regulators across the continent.