The Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) and Sierra Leone’s Pharmacy Board have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening pharmaceutical regulation, improving drug safety oversight, and enhancing technical cooperation between the two countries.
The agreement, formalized during the fifth edition of Africa Health ExCon 2026, marks a significant step toward closer regulatory alignment between African health authorities. It was signed by Ali El Ghamrawy, Chairperson of the Egyptian Drug Authority, and James Peter Komie, Chairperson of the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone, in the presence of Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Egypt, Ambassador Sadiq Sillah.
The MoU is designed to promote structured collaboration in key areas such as pharmaceutical product registration, regulatory inspections, pharmacovigilance systems, workforce development, and capacity building. Both institutions are expected to share technical expertise and best practices to strengthen regulatory effectiveness and ensure the availability of safe, effective, and high-quality medicines.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. El Ghamrawy described the partnership as part of Egypt’s broader strategy to deepen regulatory cooperation across Africa and support harmonization of pharmaceutical standards on the continent. He emphasized that stronger institutional linkages would improve regulatory efficiency and contribute to what he termed “pharmaceutical security” in Africa.
“We are committed to expanding strategic partnerships with African regulatory bodies in a way that supports regulatory integration and strengthens systems that protect public health,” he said. He further noted that collaboration in training, inspections, and regulatory science would help build more resilient national health systems.
Ambassador Sadiq Sillah welcomed the agreement, describing it as a timely initiative that aligns with Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its healthcare and pharmaceutical infrastructure. He praised Egypt’s growing leadership role in Africa’s health regulatory space and expressed Sierra Leone’s interest in attracting greater Egyptian investment and technical presence in its pharmaceutical sector.
James Peter Komie, Chairperson of the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone, highlighted the practical benefits of the partnership, noting that access to Egypt’s regulatory experience would significantly improve Sierra Leone’s capacity in drug evaluation, inspection systems, and professional training.
He added that the collaboration would help modernize regulatory frameworks and support long-term improvements in public health delivery.
Beyond technical cooperation, the MoU also aims to foster greater regulatory trust and integration among African countries, supporting ongoing continental efforts to harmonize pharmaceutical standards and improve access to safe medical products.
The partnership is expected to serve as a model for South-South cooperation in health regulation, reinforcing both countries’ commitment to strengthening healthcare systems and ensuring higher standards of pharmaceutical governance.