ivmchannels
The Third Pharma West Africa Exhibition opened on April 14, 2026, at the Landmark Centre in Lagos, Nigeria, bringing together over 250 exhibitors and 4,000+ professionals to chart a path toward medicine security and regional self‑sufficiency. The event emphasizes resilient post‑COVID supply chains and reducing donor dependency across West Africa.
📍 Event Overview
- Dates: April 14–16, 2026
- Venue: Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos
- Scale: 250+ exhibitors, 4,500+ pharmaceutical professionals
- Focus: Finished dosage forms, APIs, packaging, contract manufacturing, and more
🌍 Key Themes
- Medicine Security: Calls for stronger regional pharmaceutical production to reduce reliance on imports.
- Self‑Sufficiency: Encouragement for ECOWAS nations to invest in local manufacturing capacity.
- Supply Chain Resilience: Post‑COVID lessons highlight the need for robust regional supply chains.
- Policy Direction: Push to end donor dependency and foster sustainable healthcare systems.
👥 Stakeholders
- Attendees: Importers, distributors, buyers, pharmacy retail chains, regulators, and policymakers.
- Exhibitors: Global suppliers from India, China, Europe, Türkiye, and MENA.
- Conference Leadership: Chaired by Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai, former President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria.
📊 Strategic Importance
| Challenge | Exhibition Response |
|---|---|
| Heavy reliance on imported medicines | Promote local manufacturing partnerships |
| Fragile supply chains | Encourage regional collaboration and investment |
| Donor dependency | Push for sustainable, self‑funded healthcare systems |
| Limited access to APIs and packaging | Showcase global suppliers and technology transfer |
⚠️ Risks & Challenges
- Infrastructure gaps: Local production requires significant investment in facilities and technology.
- Regulatory hurdles: Harmonization across ECOWAS remains complex.
- Funding needs: Transitioning from donor dependency to self‑sufficiency demands strong government and private sector support.
- Global competition: Balancing imports with local production will be a delicate process.
