‘Develop robust pharmaceutical industry for Africa’

AFRICA should strive to create a robust pharmaceutical industry to cut its over-reliance on imported vaccines and medicines.

This was said by Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Cuba, Mr Ignatius Graham Mudzimba, during an event to commemorate Africa Day in El Laguito, Cuba, recently.

Amb Mudzimba said only home-grown solutions will insulate the continent from the impact of future pandemics.

“Africa must build its own capacity, not only for Covid-19 vaccines, but for other vaccines and medical products,” he said.

“To realise this, the continent should continue striving to implement its Agenda 2063, which is Africa’s development blueprint to achieve inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development over a 50-year period.”

Commemorating Africa Day, he said, was of significant importance as it affords an opportunity to pay tribute to founding fathers of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU).

The continent, he added, should unite and push through its integration both economically and politically.

“Africa Day allows us to reflect on Africa’s achievements and challenges in the recent past, as well as to celebrate its diverse culture and people.

“The founding fathers left this formidable legacy for our continent and all its peoples. This, therefore, should continue to inspire us and generations that will come after us.”

He called for the immediate operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“This agreement is expected to create the largest free trade area in the world measured by the number of countries participating.

“The agreement is expected to connect 1,3 billion people across 55 African countries with a combined gross domestic product (GDP) valued at US$3,4 trillion.

“It also has the potential to lift 30 million people out of extreme poverty.”

Africa Day is celebrated annually on May 25 to commemorate the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 1963.