EDA formalizes regulatory alliance with Sierra Leone at Africa Health ExCon 2026

EGYPT—Egypt has strengthened its pharmaceutical cooperation with Sierra Leone after the Egyptian Drug Authority signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone during the fifth edition of Africa Health ExCon 2026.

The agreement was formalized by Ali El Ghamrawy, Chairperson of the Egyptian Drug Authority, and James Peter Komie, Chairperson of the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone, in the presence of Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Egypt, Sadiq Sillah.

The signing took place on the sidelines of the continental health exhibition in Cairo, where regulators and health sector stakeholders gathered to discuss strategies for improving access to safe and effective medicines across Africa.

The MoU sets the foundation for closer institutional collaboration between the two regulatory bodies.

Strengthening regulatory systems and capacity building

Through the agreement, both institutions committed to expanding technical cooperation in pharmaceutical regulation, including drug registration, inspection systems, pharmacovigilance, and workforce development.

The partnership also prioritizes knowledge exchange to support stronger regulatory oversight and improved healthcare delivery in both countries.

In addition, the MoU promotes joint training programs and capacity-building initiatives to enhance the technical skills of regulatory staff.

It also encourages harmonized regulatory approaches that can improve efficiency and ensure consistent quality standards for medical products.

Leadership commitment to African regulatory integration

Speaking during the ceremony, Ali El Ghamrawy emphasized that the agreement aligns with Egypt’s broader strategy to deepen partnerships with African regulatory authorities.

He noted that the Egyptian Drug Authority continues to expand its network of cooperation to support regulatory integration across the continent.

El Ghamrawy added that stronger collaboration would help build shared regulatory frameworks, improve institutional capacity, and enhance access to safe and high-quality medicines.

He also stressed the importance of advancing pharmaceutical security through coordinated African efforts.

Sierra Leone’s perspective on technical cooperation

Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Egypt, Sadiq Sillah, praised Egypt’s leadership in pharmaceutical regulation and highlighted the value of knowledge sharing between the two countries.

He expressed appreciation for Egypt’s continued support in strengthening regulatory systems across Africa while also noting Sierra Leone’s interest in attracting greater Egyptian investment into its healthcare sector.

James Peter Komie echoed similar sentiments, stating that collaboration with Egypt would help Sierra Leone improve its regulatory infrastructure.

He pointed to Egypt’s experience in inspection systems, training programs, and regulatory governance as key areas that could support the development of Sierra Leone’s pharmaceutical sector.

Expanding areas of collaboration

The agreement outlines cooperation in multiple areas, including regulatory inspections, pharmaceutical product registration, pharmacovigilance systems, and institutional training programs.

It also seeks to strengthen mutual recognition frameworks and promote trust between regulatory authorities.

Both parties further agreed to explore additional areas of shared interest, with a focus on improving regulatory efficiency and strengthening pharmaceutical quality assurance systems across Africa.