Dr. Ali Ghamrawy, Chairman of the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA), and Dr. Tamer El-Husseini, Vice Chairman of the EDA, participated in the APIC 2025 Conference, one of the leading scientific and professional events in the Arab world’s pharmaceutical sector. This year’s conference, held under the theme “Intelligent and Integrated Approach,” was sponsored by the Egyptian Drug Authority, the Egyptian Unified Procurement Authority, Medical Supply, and Medical Technology Management.
The forum centered around the national initiative for drug industry localization, with a focus on modern manufacturing technologies, new standards, and incentives for both international and local pharmaceutical companies to invest in Egypt’s growing pharmaceutical sector.
Addressing the “Intelligent and Integrated Approach” to Public Health
In his speech, Dr. Ghamrawy expressed his pride in joining a distinguished group of scientists and professionals at the event. He highlighted the importance of adopting an intelligent and integrated approach to health—a concept that emphasizes not only advanced technology but also interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing public health challenges.
“We face interconnected health challenges today that require a multi-dimensional response,” Dr. Ghamrawy stated. “This includes infectious diseases, antibiotic resistance, food safety, drug sustainability, and environmental protection. These issues can no longer be addressed in isolation—they demand cooperation across all sectors.”
National Drug Industry Localization: A Strategic Priority
Dr. Ghamrawy outlined Egypt’s significant strides in localizing the pharmaceutical industry. He noted that Egypt had achieved a high level of regulatory maturity, becoming the first African nation to reach the third level of vaccine and medicine regulation, a status shared with only 18 countries globally.
“The Egyptian Drug Authority has built a robust, stable regulatory system that places Egypt at the forefront of the pharmaceutical industry,” Dr. Ghamrawy explained. “This achievement is crucial for ensuring the security of our drug supply and fostering an environment where both local and global pharmaceutical players can thrive.”
Strengthening Self-Sufficiency and Technology Transfer
He further highlighted Egypt’s impressive progress in drug industry self-sufficiency. With over 170 pharmaceutical factories, including 11 with international certifications from organizations such as WHO and EMA, Egypt has reached 91.3% self-sufficiency in its drug supply. Plans are in place to localize over 400 active pharmaceutical ingredients in the near future, which will save an estimated $1.57 billion in foreign exchange annually.
He also outlined the progress made in localizing the pharmaceutical industry in Egypt, noting that Egypt has become the first African country to achieve the third level of maturity in vaccine and medicine regulation, a status shared by only 18 countries globally. This achievement underscores Egypt’s stable and integrated regulatory system, which is central to its ability to lead the region in pharmaceutical development.
“The Egyptian Drug Authority has made drug industry localization a top priority,” Dr. Ghamrawy stated. “We are focused on stabilizing drug supply chains and ensuring national drug security through a combination of advanced manufacturing, industry partnerships, and regulatory improvements.”
Investment in Innovation and Self-Sufficiency
Dr. Ghamrawy highlighted Egypt’s strong industrial capabilities, including over 170 pharmaceutical factories, 11 internationally certified, producing a total of 2,370 production lines—986 of which are for pharmaceuticals. As a result, Egypt has achieved an impressive 91.3% self-sufficiency in its drug supply.
“By investing in local manufacturing and partnering with global companies for technology transfer, we are ensuring that Egypt can meet its pharmaceutical needs while reducing reliance on imports,” he noted.
Dr. Ghamrawy also spoke about the localization of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), with 129 drugs already localized, saving approximately $633.7 million in foreign exchange. The Egyptian Drug Authority aims to localize an additional 400 active ingredients across 30 therapeutic groups, saving an estimated $1.57 billion in import costs.
“Our pharmaceutical sector is backed by an extensive industrial base and a well-established regulatory framework,” Dr. Ghamrawy said. “This foundation enables us to attract global partnerships for the transfer of advanced manufacturing technologies, which in turn strengthens our national workforce.”
The Critical Role of Scientific Research
Dr. Ghamrawy underscored the importance of scientific research in driving pharmaceutical innovation. He pointed out that Egypt, with its strong research potential, could follow in the footsteps of global leaders like the United States, China, and South Korea in advancing drug development.
“Our researchers are pivotal in bridging the gap between scientific discovery and the pharmaceutical industry, contributing to the sustainability and security of our drug supply,” Dr. Ghamrawy noted. “The synergy between researchers and manufacturers is essential for improving supply chains and reducing reliance on imports.”
Investment Incentives and Future Goals
The Chairman also discussed the investment incentives being offered by the Egyptian Drug Authority to attract both local and international pharmaceutical players. The EDA is preparing to launch new investment packages aimed at encouraging innovation in drug manufacturing and technology.
A Unified Strategy for a Resilient Pharmaceutical Sector
The APIC 2025 conference also featured a key panel discussion with Dr. Tamer El-Husseini, Vice Chairman of the Egyptian Drug Authority, where participants discussed the role of investment incentives and the development of a unified strategy for drug industry localization. The focus was on how stakeholders can collaborate to ensure a resilient pharmaceutical supply chain for Egypt.
“This conference has reaffirmed the importance of collaboration and innovation in building a sustainable and integrated healthcare system for Egypt,” Dr. Ghamrawy concluded.
