Local Manufacture of Pharmaceutical Commodities in Sub- Saharan Africa: An Empirical Literature Review

Abstract

This is a literature review that entails prioritised areas of research in order to unpack local/regional manufacture of pharmaceutical commodities in sub-Saharan Africa. The specific objectives of the study shall entail: establishing the key research questions that need to be asked to inform governments if they want to develop their local manufacturing capability; determining the key research questions that need to be asked by regional bodies if they want to develop regional manufacturing capability; establishing the steps that governments should take if they want to develop their local manufacturing capability/industry; determining key considerations for regional bodies as they develop regional manufacturing capability; and, developing a prioritised research framework of key considerations for governments and regional bodies as they develop local manufacturing capability. The research output is expected to be a comprehensive knowledge repository for governments, regional bodies and private sector investors with interests in local/regional manufacture of pharmaceutical commodities in sub-Saharan Africa. The establishment of regional manufacturing hubs in Eastern, Western, Central and Southern African regions is highly recommended. This hubs could begin with pharmaceutical commodities such as tablets, capsules and general antibiotics with emphasis on importation of APIs.