Egypt plans digital platform to boost medicine access across Africa

Egypt’s Unified Procurement Authority (UPA) is teaming up with the African Healthcare & Drug Association (AHDA) and Fixed Egypt to launch a digital platform aimed at improving access to medicines, medical supplies, and other health products across Africa.

UPA Chairman Hisham Stait said in a statement on Saturday that the platform is designed to strengthen procurement and distribution systems, enhance supply chains, lower costs, and ensure equitable access to medical products. Africa’s pharmaceutical market, currently valued at nearly $49 billion, is expected to grow rapidly with digital and logistics improvements.

The project supports Egypt’s broader digital health agenda and aims to boost the competitiveness of Egyptian pharmaceuticals. It aligns with initiatives such as electronic prescriptions and drug traceability, and contributes to the government’s target of raising pharmaceutical exports to $5 billion by 2030.

The initiative also complements Egypt’s role in the annual Africa Health ExCon, which focuses on innovation, artificial intelligence, and local pharmaceutical manufacturing, positioning Egypt as a regional hub for pharmaceutical trade and digital health transformation.

Key objectives include strengthening African health sovereignty, improving stock sustainability, expanding Egyptian exports, and enabling equitable access to medicines in underserved regions. The platform could eventually serve as a global gateway with standardized digital governance, supporting regional health integration and Africa’s health security.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: Y.Yasser