By Jean-Pierre A.
AfriSummit 2026, the sixth edition of the highly anticipated regulatory affairs summit for Africa’s pharmaceutical, medical device, IVD and diagnostics sectors, took place from 28 September to 2 October 2026 at Emara Ole-Sereni Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya.
For the first time in history, the summit is being held in East Africa, with Kenya serving as the proud host nation.
Held under the auspices of the Ministry of Health, Kenya, and under the patronage of the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), Kenya, the five-day summit is expected to bring together 16+ National Regulatory Authorities and Notified Bodies alongside 100+ speakers and 450+ decision-makers from more than 25 countries.
Regulators, ministerial representatives, industry associations, pharmaceutical and medical device companies, technology providers and regulatory professionals came together across two summits, PharmaReg AfriSummit from 28-30 September, followed by MedDevReg AfriSummit from 1-2 October, creating dedicated platforms for both pharmaceutical and medical device regulatory communities.
Dr. Mona Al Moussli, Chairman of AfriSummit, said: “Regulatory systems across Africa are entering an important period of development, with greater emphasis on the growth of local manufacturing, stronger national regulatory capacity and reliance. AfriSummit creates a space where regulators and industry can discuss these priorities directly and find ways to move forward together.”
The agendas will address key regulatory priorities across the continent including WHO Global Benchmarking Tool maturity, local manufacturing, clinical research, harmonization, medical device and IVD oversight, role of AI, traceability, substandard and falsified health products among other key topics.
AfriSummit will also feature a dedicated one day workshop on eCTD Training, providing practical guidance on electronic regulatory submissions in line with evolving African and international requirements.
Dr. Najiba Al Shezawy, Co-Chairman of AfriSummit, added: “The strength of AfriSummit has always been the diversity of its audience. Our objective is to encourage meaningful exchange, build relationships and support a stronger and more connected regulatory ecosystem across Africa.”
The 2026 edition is supported by healthcare organizations, as well as regional and global brands from across the pharmaceutical, medical devices, technology and regulatory ecosystem.
The World Health Organization (WHO) joins as the Continental Strategic Partner. Haleon joins as the Principal Sponsor, with VISIOTT TPS as Titanium Sponsor and AstraZeneca as Platinum Sponsor.
Abbott, Julphar, Dolls Pharma, Novo Nordisk, Antares Vision Group and Schlafender Hase participate as Gold Sponsors, while EVOTEQ joins as Technology Partner and cormeo GmbH as Workshop Sponsor.
Biocon Limited and Xenopia Group participate as Silver Sponsors, with Dawa Life Sciences as Lunch Sponsor, LSPedia as Gala Dinner Sponsor, and PRA Consultancy as Strategic Partner.
AfriSummit also welcomes DP World, Tiga Healthcare Technologies, Biovac, Opella, SoftClans and LIVY SARLU as Associate Sponsors; Nextrans Solutions and Domino as Valued Exhibitors; and Axmed, Jeyflex and Centre for Testing and Research Services L.L.C (CTRS) as Satchel Sponsors.
The extraordinary line-up concludes with Anti-Counterfeit Authority as Awareness Partner, while GS1 Kenya joins as Standards & Traceability Partner.
Across five days of focused sessions, regulator-industry engagement and networking, AfriSummit 2026 will connect stakeholders shaping the next phase of Africa’s healthcare regulatory landscape.
