Algeria is reshaping its pharmaceutical strategy to meet growing healthcare demands and compete more effectively on the global stage, with a strong emphasis on exporting innovative medicines to African and Arab markets.
During a working visit to Sidi Bel Abbès, Minister of Pharmaceutical Industry Ouacim Kouidri underlined that expanding into these regions has become a strategic priority.
According to L’Algérie Aujourd’hui, Algerian-made pharmaceuticals already account for 25% of Africa’s total production—a position the government intends to leverage through a model centred on research, development, and high-value products.
The minister hailed the country’s progress towards self-reliance, noting that 80% of medicines consumed domestically are now produced locally. This achievement, he stressed, should be a springboard for international growth.
“Pharmaceutical sovereignty is not limited to meeting domestic demand; it also implies a competitive international presence with products that comply with global standards,” Kouidri said.
To boost exports, Algeria is seeking to secure the World Health Organization’s Level 3 Maturity Certificate by October. This recognition would enhance the credibility of Algeria’s regulatory framework for foreign partners and streamline procedures for product registration and certification—hurdles that have long slowed access to overseas markets.
Kouidri also acknowledged challenges in producing innovative medicines domestically and called for greater local manufacturing of pharmaceutical raw materials to reduce import dependence and enhance competitiveness.
The sector’s momentum is being driven by collaboration between public and private laboratories, alongside increased support for specialised start-ups. Ministerial visits to the Sidi Bel Abbès industrial zone showcased a growing diversification of production units and the determination of Algerian manufacturers to expand their footprint well beyond national borders.
With innovation at its core and an export-focused vision, Algeria aims to transform its pharmaceutical industry into a leading player across Africa and the Arab world.
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