Algeria's pharmaceutical production has reached $4.9 billion in 2025, covering 82% of the local market's needs. The sector has seen significant growth, with nearly 230 pharmaceutical establishments operating in the country. This progress was highlighted by Minister of Pharmaceutical Industry, Ouassim Kouidri, at the 2nd International Congress of the National Council of the Order of Pharmacists.
The Algerian government aims to strengthen its role in the regional pharmaceutical market, particularly in Africa. To achieve this, the country is working on creating a strategic African pharmaceutical hub. This project, announced by Kouidri, will contribute to the supply of essential medicines and health products to African countries, including vaccines and priority products.
The hub is expected to bring together national capacities and strengthen South-South cooperation. Algeria has already signed export contracts with Mauritania, Mali, and Senegal, as well as agreements with several African agencies to facilitate the reciprocal registration of medicines. These efforts are part of the implementation of the "Alger Declaration," adopted during the African Ministerial Congress on Local Production of Medicines and Health Technologies.
Minister of Health, Mohamed Seddik Aït Messaoudène, emphasized that health sovereignty is measured by a country's ability to know its needs, plan, secure, and diversify its sources, and develop its national health capacities. He highlighted the importance of informed decision-making, product and service quality, and the evolution of the pharmacist's role in ensuring patient safety.
Aït Messaoudène also announced several regulatory measures to strengthen the sector, including a draft executive decree on the conditions and modalities of prescription of pharmaceutical products. Another text on the technical characteristics of food supplements for human medicine has also been adopted. A national health map is being developed to adapt the distribution of equipment, human resources, and health capacities to regional needs.
The Algerian government is committed to developing its pharmaceutical industry, with a focus on export and regional cooperation. The sector has achieved a high integration rate, with nearly 95% of production carried out under the "Full Process" system. The authorities aim to build on this progress to establish Algeria as a major player in the African pharmaceutical market.
The country's efforts have been supported by initiatives from the African Medicines Agency and the Africa CDC, which aim to promote regulatory convergence and establish common mechanisms to guarantee the availability, quality, and safety of medicines. Algeria's experience and expertise in the pharmaceutical sector are expected to play a significant role in the development of the regional market.
Key points
- Algeria's pharmaceutical production covers 82% of local market needs.
- The country aims to create a strategic African pharmaceutical hub to supply essential medicines to African countries.
- Regulatory measures are being implemented to strengthen the sector and ensure product quality and patient safety.
