Cameroun: Renforcement Production Pharmaceutique Locale Stratégie Dévoilée

• Cameroon presented its strategy for boosting local pharmaceutical production and regulation on August 24, 2026, in Addis Ababa.
• Since 2020, the number of pharmaceutical production units in Cameroon has increased from 7 to 19, with 239 approved references.
• Despite this growth, local production currently covers only about 15% of essential medicines and less than 5% of consumption needs.
• Government measures include tax exemptions on inputs, national preference mechanisms for local products, and plans to strengthen public procurement and public-private partnerships.
• Cameroon is also studying the feasibility of a dedicated Medicines Agency and seeking greater regional pharmaceutical cooperation to enhance health sovereignty.

The comprehensive initiatives outlined by Cameroon reflect a strategic pivot towards enhancing national health security and reducing reliance on external pharmaceutical supplies.

On August 24, 2026, in Addis Ababa, Cameroon articulated its comprehensive strategy for bolstering domestic pharmaceutical production and refining regulatory oversight. This vision was presented by Dr. Manaouda Malachie, the Minister of Public Health, during a high-level ministerial dialogue held concurrently with the 76th session of the World Health Organization's Regional Committee for Africa. The Minister highlighted both the progress achieved and the persistent challenges within the nation's pharmaceutical sector, emphasizing the critical need for `Cameroun renforcement production pharmaceutique locale`.

Significant strides have been made since 2020, with the number of pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities in Cameroon expanding from 7 to 19. This growth has led to the approval of 239 distinct drug references. Despite this expansion, local manufacturing currently satisfies only approximately 15% of the country's National List of Essential Medicines and accounts for less than 5% of the total consumption demand.

To accelerate the trajectory toward greater self-reliance in drug production, Dr. Malachie identified several key impediments. These include difficulties in securing adequate financing, inconsistent energy supplies, challenges in sourcing raw materials, intense competition from imported pharmaceutical products, and delays in payments for public sector orders. These obstacles underscore the urgency of the government's initiatives.

In response to these identified challenges, the Cameroonian government has initiated a series of supportive measures aimed at fortifying local producers and stimulating the `industrie pharmaceutique`. These include the implementation of exemptions from certain duties and taxes on essential inputs and equipment required for pharmaceutical manufacturing, directly addressing the `Cameroun exonération taxes médicaments` objective. Furthermore, mechanisms granting `préférence nationale production pharmaceutique Cameroun` have been introduced for domestically produced pharmaceuticals, contingent upon their adherence to stringent quality, safety, and efficacy standards.

Looking ahead, Cameroon is committed to strengthening its public procurement processes to favor local production, thereby ensuring a more reliable market for domestic manufacturers. The nation is also in the final stages of developing its `stratégie nationale industrie pharmaceutique Cameroun`, a comprehensive blueprint designed to guide the sector's long-term growth and ensure sustainable development. Complementary to these efforts, the government plans to foster new public-private partnerships to stimulate investment and innovation within the industry.

On the regulatory front, Cameroon is actively working to enhance the capabilities of its existing pharmaceutical regulatory authority. Concurrently, a feasibility study is underway to explore the establishment of a dedicated `Agence camerounaise du médicament`. This potential new agency would streamline and strengthen the oversight of drug manufacturing, distribution, and quality control within the country, ensuring compliance with national and international standards.

During his address in Addis Ababa, Minister Dr. Manaouda Malachie underscored the imperative of heightened regional cooperation. He advocated for a more integrated African pharmaceutical industry, emphasizing its potential to bolster the continent's health sovereignty and significantly contribute to the overarching goal of Universal Health Coverage. This regional perspective highlights Cameroon's commitment to a broader, collaborative approach to pharmaceutical development.

The comprehensive initiatives outlined by Cameroon reflect a strategic pivot towards enhancing national health security and reducing reliance on external pharmaceutical supplies. By addressing critical barriers such as financing, raw material access, and market competition, the government aims to create a more robust and self-sufficient pharmaceutical ecosystem. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the nation can meet its essential medicine needs, thereby strengthening its health sovereignty and contributing meaningfully to the objective of Universal Health Coverage for its population.

Lawyers advising pharmaceutical companies or involved in trade and customs law in Cameroon should monitor the announced tax exemptions, national preference mechanisms, and the potential establishment of a new regulatory agency. These changes will impact market access, local investment incentives, and compliance requirements for both domestic and international players in the pharmaceutical sector.

Source: Reporting based on details from Actu Cameroun.