SAA Board had the privilege of visiting the newly operational headquarters of the Africa Medicines Agency (AMA) in Kigali—a moment that was not only historic but deeply affirming. On July 15th, 2025, the SAA Board visited the office of the long-envisioned AMA. Witnessing this transition from aspiration to reality reinforced our continent’s determination to take ownership of its health future.

Our conversations with the AMA leadership, Benjamin Djoudalbaye, the Head of the Interim Secretariat of the African Medicines Agency, moved beyond the excitement of the launch. We explored the foundations being laid for an institution designed not just to function, but to endure. AMA’s mandate to harmonize medicine regulation across the continent, ensure the safety of medical products, and support local pharmaceutical manufacturing is ambitious and essential. What impressed us most was the strategic clarity and structural robustness that have already been built into the agency’s operations. AMA is not a flash in the pan; it has been designed to outlast initial support and to serve the continent for generations to come.

One of the most reassuring insights was AMA’s commitment to shielding scientific decisions from undue political and external pressure. A sophisticated risk management system is being embedded into the agency’s operations—an intentional safeguard that speaks volumes about the seriousness with which independence and scientific integrity are being upheld. Trust must be earned, and AMA is already showing it understands the responsibility that comes with its role.

The Government of Rwanda has once again demonstrated visionary leadership in enabling AMA’s successful launch. From cutting-edge facilities to policy-level commitment, Rwanda is modeling what continental institution-building should look like. This partnership is not only commendable—it is catalytic.

As we look ahead, all eyes turn toward ICASA 2025 in Accra, Ghana.

AMA’s role at this landmark gathering will be impossible to miss. The agency will be front and center in critical discussions around access to medicines, regulatory harmonization, and Africa’s path to ending AIDS and achieving health equity. A particularly pivotal session, co-led by the African Union, will focus on accountability for the 2030 AIDS elimination agenda. Now that AMA is operational, the conversation gains a powerful new dimension.

Our visit to Kigali left us not only inspired but energized. AMA is real, it is ready, and it represents a bold leap forward in securing universal health for Africa.

We can’t wait to continue this momentum at ICASA 2025. The future is unfolding—and it’s being shaped right here, by us.

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