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Africa sets course for affordable, quality medicines with new 10-year roadmap
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African leaders and global partners have agreed on a bold 10-year regional vision to redesign how essential health products are financed, produced, and delivered, marking a major step toward ensuring that everyone in the African Region can access affordable, quality-assured medicines and health technologies.
Meeting at the Blue-Sky Visioning and Think Tank Workshop in Johannesburg from 25 to 27 November 2025, policy-makers, technical experts, and development partners co-created the foundations of a Regional Strategy on Market Shaping and Supply Chain for Essential Health Products (2025–2035). This forward-looking strategy sets out 14 strategic pillars to renovate Africa's fragmented systems and build resilient, efficient supply chains that can withstand global shocks.
This strategy represents a paradigm shift from Africa's current fragmented and donor-dependent health product landscape to a coordinated, self-reliant system. Today, only 35% of essential medicines are available in public health facilities, and out-of-pocket spending can represent up to 90% of total health expenditures in some countries, leaving millions exposed to catastrophic costs. In several countries, such as Malawi, where external aid accounts for up to 65% of all health spending, the system remains highly vulnerable to sudden funding shocks. Donor investments are also heavily concentrated in a few vertical programmes: one-third of all health aid goes to HIV/STI control and 14% to malaria, while less than 1% supports noncommunicable diseases. A recent WHO assessment found that 56% of African countries are already facing shortages of essential products, including vaccines, tuberculosis medicines, neglected tropical disease treatments, and NCD supplies, with some facilities temporarily closing due to stock-outs.
The new regional strategy aims to revamp production and access by promoting local manufacturing, pooled procurement, and coordinated, shock-resistant supply chains. The 10-year roadmap prioritizes regional procurement platforms and strategic warehousing, mechanisms expected to reduce reliance on emergency imports, which proved inadequate during COVID-19 when 38 African countries urgently requested medical supplies.
The strategy also aligns with the African Medicines Agency (AMA) mandate and leverages the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to reduce or eliminate tariffs on locally manufactured health products. By fostering domestic resource mobilization and innovative financing tools such as debt-for-health swaps and health impact investment platforms, the strategy moves Africa away from donor-driven models toward sustainable, homegrown solutions.
“This meeting is about reimagining what is possible when African countries take the lead in designing resilient and self-reliant systems to deliver essential health products. We are building a future where no community is left behind due to stock-outs, inefficiencies, or unaffordable prices” said Dr Adelheid Werimo Onyango, Director for Health Systems and Services, WHO Regional Office for Africa.
Participants at the workshop applied a creative, “blue-sky thinking” methodology to tackle long-standing bottlenecks. Discussions explored innovative approaches to strengthen governance, improve financing, drive digital transformation, promote local production, modernize waste management, and enhance emergency preparedness, aying the foundations for a future-proof supply chain ecosystem.
The initiative aligns with major regional and global frameworks, including the African Union's Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plan, the African Medicines Agency (AMA) mandate, the WHO Access to Medicines Roadmap, and Sustainable Development Goal 3.8 on universal access to essential medicines and vaccines.
“The European Union is committed to advancing equitable access to essential health products across Africa. By supporting this regional strategy, we are investing in resilient health systems, stronger supply chains, and sustainable solutions that safeguard health for all” said Bianca Baluta, Health Policy Expert, European Union.
Once finalized, the strategy will serve as a unified blueprint to strengthen market systems, expand access to affordable, high-quality health products, and reinforce Africa's health security for the decade ahead.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.Marriott International Enters the Democratic Republic of the Congo with the Opening of Two Hotels in Kinshasa
Marriott International (www.Marriott.com) has made its debut in The Democratic Republic of the Congo with the openings of Protea Hotel by Marriott Kinshasa and Four Points by Sheraton Kinshasa. The launch of these two distinct hotels introduces globally recognised brands to Kinshasa, offering tailored experiences for business and leisure travellers in one of Africa's most vibrant and strategically important capital cities.
Set along the Congo River, Kinshasa is a dynamic hub for diplomacy, regional trade, and the arts. With a population of over 17 million, the city offers travellers a compelling mix of culture, commerce, and connectivity - from its lively music and culinary scenes to its bustling markets and proximity to Central Africa's natural wonders.
“Entering The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a proud milestone for Marriott International as we continue to grow our footprint across Africa,” said Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, Vice President, Premium, Select & Midscale Brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “With the openings of Four Points by Sheraton Kinshasa and Protea Hotel by Marriott Kinshasa, we're excited to offer travellers and Marriott Bonvoy members two distinct ways to experience our trusted service and signature brand experiences in this dynamic market.”
Both hotels are managed by third-party management company SARV Management LLC.
“Working with Marriott International to bring world-class hospitality to the capital supports the city's growing appeal as a destination for business and leisure, while contributing to local employment and skills development. We believe these openings will play a meaningful role in strengthening the tourism sector and showcasing the vibrancy and potential of Kinshasa on a global stage,” said Karim Minsariya, Director, SAMAY Hospitality SARL, the ownership company for both hotels.
Protea Hotel by Marriott Kinshasa
Protea Hotel by Marriott Kinshasa (https://apo-opa.co/48evOe2) offers a unique stay that blends contemporary comfort with authentic local character and personalised service. Ideally situated in an upscale neighbourhood near the Congo River, the hotel is surrounded by government offices, corporate headquarters, and premium malls, and is just minutes from the city centre. Its 88 thoughtfully designed guest rooms — many with balconies and scenic views — are tailored to meet the needs of today's business, diplomatic, and leisure travellers, providing a welcoming base from which to explore Kinshasa.
The hotel's bright atrium lobby brings together natural light, local artwork, and greenery, offering a welcoming space that pays tribute to the building's former life as a school. Within this space sits the hotel's signature indoor pool, a first of its kind in the city, offering a serene retreat after a busy day. Guests can dine at Marché 15, an all-day restaurant celebrating international and local flavours, or unwind at the Lobby Bar, a relaxed space ideal for informal meetings and evening drinks. Additional amenities include a well-equipped fitness centre, and a 56-square-metre conference room designed for small meetings and private gatherings.
Four Points by Sheraton Kinshasa
Located in the heart of Kinshasa's central business district, Four Points by Sheraton Kinshasa (https://apo-opa.co/4pBfJou) offers 134 modern guest rooms. Whether travellers are visiting Kinshasa for work or fun, the hotel caters to their needs with its approachable design, and stylish comfort.
Reflecting the brand's signature style, the hotel offers today's independent travellers the Four Comfort Bed, fast and free Wi-Fi, and an energising start to the day with fresh coffee and breakfast options. After a productive day, guests can unwind over a meal at Lufira Restaurant, sip a signature cocktail at the stylish 83 Sky Lounge Bar, or enjoy a refreshing local beer on tap through the brand's Best Brews™ programme.
Additional amenities include a 24-hour fitness centre, and a rooftop outdoor pool with panoramic city views. Four Points by Sheraton Kinshasa also boasts approximately 230 square metres of meeting space across four rooms, each equipped with modern conference facilities and advanced audiovisual technology, making it a prime venue for corporate meetings, workshops, and social events.
Both Protea Hotel by Marriott Kinshasa and Four Points by Sheraton Kinshasa participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, Marriott International's award-winning travel programme. Members can earn and redeem points across an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, enjoy exclusive experiences through Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and unlock benefits such as free nights, mobile check-in, and Elite status recognition.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Marriott International, Inc..Media contact:
Birgit Deibele
Senior Director of Communications – Sub-Saharan Africa, Marriott International
Email: Birgit.Deibele@marriott.com
Protea Hotels by Marriott:
Protea Hotels by Marriott® is the leading hospitality brand in Africa and it is one of the most widely recognised brands on the continent with over 60 hotels across 10 countries including Angola, Botswana, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Protea Hotels by Marriott® is ideal for both business and leisure travellers by offering properties in primary and secondary business centres and desirable leisure destinations. Each hotel offers modern facilities, proactive and friendly service and consistent amenities such as full-service restaurants, meeting spaces, complimentary Wi-Fi, and well-appointed rooms, ensuring global standards for a high quality, relaxed and successful stay.
About Four Points by Sheraton®:
Four Points by Sheraton is a global brand with over 365 hotels in over 45 countries and territories. At Four Points, travel is reinvented where timeless classics are woven with modern details, paired with genuine service in a casual environment around the world. Four Points hotels can be found in the heart of urban centers, near the beach, by the airport, or in the suburbs. Each hotel offers a familiar place to kick back and relax with an authentic sense of the local, where guests can watch sports and enjoy the brand's Best Brews® program. Four Points is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments (https://apo-opa.co/3Ma51H3) and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit www.MarriottBonvoy.com. To learn more about Four Points, visit us online https://Four-Points.Marriott.com/.
Uganda Elected to Unido Industrial Development Board (IDB) 2025- 2027
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Uganda has been elected to the Industrial Development Board (IDB) of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) for the period 2025- 2027 at elections conducted during the 21st UNIDO General Conference held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 23rd to 27th November 2025.
The Industrial Development Board is composed of 53 Members and is responsible for reviewing implementation of UNIDO's work programme, the regular and operational budgets, and makes recommendations to the General Conference on policy matters, including the appointment of the Director-General. Uganda's Delegation to the General Conference was led by H.E. Isaac Sebulime, Ambassador of the Republic of Uganda to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and comprised of officials from the Uganda Permanent Mission in Vienna and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives.
In his address to the General Conference, Amb. Sebulime commended UNIDO for promoting inclusive and sustainable industrial development worldwide. He noted that Uganda is particularly interested in accelerating the country's national development agenda by using UNIDO's expertise in transformative partnerships, knowledge transfer, and agro-industrialization. ‘Uganda's focus on promoting innovation, improving productivity, and increasing the level of value addition from primary processing of raw materials to secondary and tertiary manufacturing of medium to high technology products for exports, aligns closely with UNIDO's mission', he added.
According to UNIDO, 125 million people worldwide depend on coffee for their livelihoods. Uganda is currently one of five countries (Uganda, Kenya, Malawi, Ethiopia, Tanzania) earmarked to receive assistance in the coffee value chain development through the UNIDO-Italy programme for Advancing Climate-Resilience and Transformation in African Coffee (ACT). The programme worth €15 million is aimed at improving the lives of the people at the beginning of the coffee supply chain by providing better jobs and better incomes for families and communities. The General Conference was held as the Global Industry Summit under 3 key thematic areas, namely: Investment and Partnership; Women and Empowerment; and Generation Future. The Session on Women Empowerment focused on the essential role women play in the economy and industry, and the importance of equal rights, equal access to education, training and finance, and equal opportunities in the workplace and in professional life.
Delivering the Key note address, Her Highness Princess Mashael Saud Al-Shalaan, founder of AEON Collective, highlighted the fast progress that has been made in Saudi Arabia's development and the significant progress made in providing equal opportunities for women - from equal pay to more female participation in STEM education. She emphasized that both equality and gender equity should be at the heart of industrial policy and called upon governments to truly listen to women's voices, ‘to understand their needs, recognize the barriers they confront, and support them in rewriting those stories - keeping what empowers them and changing what holds them back'.
During the General Conference, Nature Bio Foods, an Indian Company with operations in Uganda was announced winner of the UNIDO One World Sustainability Awards under the Category of Sustainable Supply Chains. The Award was received by Mr. Amit Singh, Sustainability Lead, who noted that one cannot talk about sustainability without talking about agriculture. Therefore, sustainability is about ‘how to increase the income of the farmers, how to reduce the cost of cultivation, and how take the farmers to the stage where they can grow and prosper.'
Nature Bio Foods is a Subsidiary of LT Foods, which is headquartered in India. The company opened a processing plant in Uganda in 2023 and is currently working with 16000 farmers involved in the production of soyabean, sorghum, chia seeds and sesame seeds for export.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Republic of Uganda - Ministry of Foreign Affairs.A Blueprint for Energy Access: Empowering Africa through Innovation and Investment (By NJ Ayuk)
By NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber (https://EnergyChamber.org).
A few generations ago in America, grandparents often reminded children how fortunate they were by recalling stories of walking miles to school or doing homework by candlelight.
But for 27-year-old Emmanuel Malamba, who grew up in the rural district of Nkhotakota, Malawi, those aren't nostalgic tales — they're accounts of daily life. Malamba, now a graduate student in sustainable energy at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences, shared his experiences in an interview with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) about energy poverty in his country.
For millions of Africans today, doing homework by candlelight like Malamba did remains a present-day reality. So is spending hours each day gathering firewood or charcoal to cook (a burden that falls disproportionately on women) and going without reliable power in hospitals and schools.
The result is stunted productivity, constrained industrial growth, and limited opportunities to escape poverty.
As noted in the African Energy Chamber's newly released "State of African Energy: 2026 Outlook Report," the situation is particularly dire in Africa's rural areas like Malamba's home community.
"The uneven distribution is largely due to better infrastructure investments in cities, where the concentration of population and economic activities makes it more viable for utility companies to provide services," the report explains. "In contrast, rural regions often face challenges such as lower population densities, higher costs of extending electricity networks, and lower incomes, which hinder the expansion of electrification efforts."
The situation is disheartening, to put it mildly — but not hopeless. I'm convinced that we can make major strides toward addressing rural Africa's energy poverty with two key approaches to delivering electricity. The first is distributed generation (DG) — small-scale power systems located close to where electricity is used, often relying on solar, wind, or hybrid mini-plants. The second is the use of microgrids, localized networks that generate, store, and distribute power to communities not connected to the main grid. Traditional grid extension is rarely feasible for rural communities, but DG systems and microgrids offer scalable, cost-effective, and increasingly low-carbon solutions that can deliver reliable power to schools, health centers, and households.
Africa's Dire Situation
Energy poverty is not unique to Africa. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), nearly 760 million people worldwide still lack access to electricity — and four out of five of them live in sub-Saharan Africa. While energy poverty is declining globally, it's worsening across much of Africa. The situation is particularly acute in the western and eastern regions, where electrification rates stand at 59% and 54%, respectively, according to our 2026 Outlook Report.
The countries facing the most severe access gaps include Burkina Faso, Burundi, the Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Malawi, Niger, and South Sudan, each with electrification rates below 30%.
How can this be happening in today's high-tech world — and why is Africa struggling more than other developing regions? The chamber's report cites several interconnected causes:
- Limited infrastructure: Many African nations lack sufficient generation capacity, transmission lines, and distribution networks to reach their growing populations.
- Financial constraints: Developing and maintaining the power infrastructure requires capital that many African governments simply do not have. Private investors could help bridge the gap, but perceived political and regulatory risks continue to deter investment.
- Policy and regulatory barriers: Too often, inconsistent policies and bureaucratic delays drive away the very investors Africa needs. Transparent, predictable, and investor-friendly frameworks are still the exception, not the rule.
- Geographic and demographic challenges: Vast distances, difficult terrain, and widely dispersed rural populations make electrification complex and expensive.
Even when progress is made, rapid population growth offsets much of the gain. Sub-Saharan Africa adds roughly 2.5 million people each month, creating an enormous challenge for any electrification initiative. If that pace continues over the next six years, another 180 million people will require access to electricity.
And time and time again, rural households are consistently left behind. Extending traditional power grids across vast, sparsely populated regions can cost up to twice as much per connection as in urban areas, according to the IEA. In many cases, the few customers served cannot generate enough demand to justify such investments, leaving entire villages dependent on firewood, kerosene, or diesel generators.
Best Ways Forward
Africa cannot afford to wait for traditional grid expansion to catch up. The need for power in rural communities is immediate — but so are the opportunities. Through DG systems and microgrids, entire villages are gaining access to electricity for the first time.
Let me be clear: These approaches are not the only answers to Africa's energy poverty. As I've said many times, this is a complex challenge that demands multi-pronged strategies, including gas-to-power programs driven by Africa's abundant, cleaner natural gas resources. But DG and microgrids hold extraordinary potential, especially in remote areas where extending traditional grids remains unrealistic.
Decentralized systems, such as solar home units and mini-grids, deliver energy precisely where it's needed: directly to households, schools, and businesses that national utilities cannot reach efficiently. Off-grid solar systems already provide affordable, clean power to millions. In fact, they account for roughly one-quarter of all new electricity connections in sub-Saharan Africa since 2020. They are lighting classrooms, powering small shops, and supporting daily life in ways that once seemed impossible.
The potential only grows with microgrids. These localized networks can operate independently or in conjunction with national grids. They combine renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro, which are often supported by batteries to ensure round-the-clock reliability.
Expanding traditional power grids into sparsely populated areas is prohibitively expensive and inefficient. Transmission lines can cost between USD19,000 and USD22,000 per kilometer, with another USD9,000 per kilometer for distribution. In regions where homes are scattered and demand is limited, utilities must charge customers cost-reflective tariffs to recover costs — prices that most rural African households simply cannot pay.
Microgrids, by contrast, offer a faster, more affordable, and more sustainable path forward. They require lower capital investment, eliminate the need for long-distance transmission infrastructure, and can be deployed within months rather than years. With renewable technology costs dropping 25-30% since 2014, these systems are more affordable than ever before.
In Ghana, decentralized mini-grids have already proven to be the lowest-cost option for reaching remote communities. They are lighting homes, powering small enterprises, and enabling essential services. If scaled strategically, such localized systems could drive inclusive, bottom-up growth across rural Africa and finally deliver the progress that centralized grids have struggled to achieve.
Encouragingly, new financing models are emerging to accelerate these gains. Pay-as-you-go systems and blended public–private partnerships are helping developers expand microgrid deployment more rapidly and sustainably. In Nigeria, for example, a collaboration between MTN Nigeria and Lumos is bringing dependable, solar-powered electricity to households and small businesses that were once completely off the grid.
Capitalizing on the Opportunity
For DG systems and microgrids to reach their full potential, Africa must take deliberate steps to strengthen investment, innovation, and local capacity. The 2026 Outlook Report identifies multiple priorities that together form a practical roadmap for progress.
First, Africa must mobilize capital for scalable energy infrastructure. Deploying microgrids and DG systems requires substantial investment in solar panels, wind turbines, batteries, and inverters. The continent needs to attract more private capital and development finance — and channel it toward bankable, results-driven projects that can expand access quickly and sustainably.
At the same time, we must expand creative financing models that make energy access affordable. Pay-as-you-go solar, microfinance, and community-based systems are already transforming lives. In East Africa, M-KOPA Solar has reached more than a million homes through small daily mobile payments, while in Ghana and South Africa, community and municipal partnerships are proving that local ownership and private collaboration can accelerate progress.
These are only a few of the strategies highlighted in the Chamber's report — all centered on one goal: making reliable, affordable energy available to every African household.
As the report points out, achieving universal electricity access by 2030 will require more than USD30 billion a year in investment — over eight times current levels. That figure may sound daunting, but it represents one of the greatest opportunities of our time for those ready to help Africa build a modern, reliable energy future.
Encouragingly, progress is already underway. One exciting example is the “Mission 300” initiative. Jointly launched by the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank, it aims to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030. Between mid-2023 and early 2025, it has already reached 21 million people, with projects actively underway to reach 100 million more. This kind of collaboration — among governments, financiers, developers, and communities — is what will finally turn Africa's energy deficit into a story of shared prosperity.
The path forward is clear. Africa must lead with balanced energy strategies that combine gas-to-power with pragmatic renewable energy solutions like DG systems and microgrids. But investors, governments, and development partners all have a role to play. With the right mix of policy reform, financing innovation, and political will, we can light up every home, every business, and every school on this continent.
"The State of African Energy: 2026 Outlook Report" is available for download. Visit https://apo-opa.co/48BLiJ1 to request your copy.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.SYNTHETIC REPORT – Pacis TV’s Participation in the Meeting of Catholic Television Directors of Africa and Madagascar
The continental meeting of Catholic Television Directors from Africa and Madagascar was held in Nairobi (Kenya) from 24 to 28 November 2025, with the participation of German partners and the Vatican Dicastery for Communication, represented by Sr. Nina, Communication Specialist.
Pacis TV had the honor of presenting:
- its recent achievements,
- its strategic projects,
- its continental and international collaboration opportunities.
- The channel also led some key segments of the meeting.
The opening session was delivered, on behalf of His Eminence Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo, by His Excellency Bishop Bernardine Mfumbusa, who was recently mandated in Kigali by the African bishops to coordinate communication within SECAM.
Participating countries: Ethiopia, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Uganda, South Sudan, Kenya (AMECEA), Mali, Rwanda, Mozambique, Madagascar, Togo, Cameroon, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Germany, Argentina, Rome, and Austria.
Throughout the day, the Dicastery for Communication, Bishop Mfumbusa, and the CRTN/ACN team presented the Catholic Television Network Service for Africa Project, emphasizing:
- the urgent need to train communication experts within dioceses;
- the importance of avoiding competition with secular media;
- the mission of enlightening society through the power of truth;
- the need to strengthen collaboration with Catholic celebrities and influencers for the common good.
Special Participation of Rwandan Priests Studying at CUEA
Three Rwandan priests studying at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa received special permission to attend Pacis TV's presentation:
Fr. Patrice,
Fr. Jean de Dieu,
Fr. Damien Kimenyi.
They expressed great interest in the vision and orientations presented, thereby strengthening the link between academic formation and the Church's media mission.
SIGNIS International Update
SIGNIS also provided an update on the upcoming Kigali International Meeting scheduled for August 2026. This future gathering will prioritize:
- strengthening the digital media presence of Catholic institutions;
- developing artificial intelligence tools and influencer databases;
- addressing the communication gaps that persist in several episcopal conferences, some of which still lack official spokespersons.
Recognition of Pacis TV's Continental Leadership
After the exchanges among all African Catholic televisions, it became evident that Pacis TV stands among the leading Catholic TV stations on the continent. This recognition was strongly echoed by Mr. Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, CEO of APO Group, who highlighted the channel's growing visibility, operational professionalism, and strategic impact across Africa.
Pacis TV is pleased to contribute actively to a renewed vision of Catholic communication in Africa, rooted in truth, collaboration, and service to the common good.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Pacis TV.