Exploring Local Production As A Strategy To Enhance Africa's Pharmaceutical Sector With Kirti Narsai

The topic of local production of medical products in Africa is highly debated. Some believe it holds the key to unlocking Africa's potential, while others argue that the continent lacks the necessary goodwill and market consolidation for such a venture to be sustainable. In this episode, we delve into this critical issue with insights from a professional deeply passionate about the African pharmaceutical industry. Ms. Kirti Narsai is a seasoned executive with over 26 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, encompassing medicines, medical devices, and consumer products. She has held board positions in several prominent organizations with Pan-African interests and has been actively involved in various strategic initiatives across Africa. These include the African Regional Business Network (WEF Africa), Medical Devices Master Plan for South Africa, the Market Design & Demand Intelligence workstream of the Partnership for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM), and regulatory harmonization in Africa. In addition to her extensive industry experience, Kirti serves as a Principal Researcher at The Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance. There, she leads research on the establishment and growth of regional healthcare value chains, focusing on local manufacturing capabilities under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). Kirti is also pursuing her PhD in Pharmaceutical Policy at Utrecht University, Netherlands, while operating as an independent consultant. In this role, she provides advisory services to several international organizations on evolving health and trade policy issues in Africa. In this special episode, we discuss: 1️⃣ Whether Africa should prioritize local manufacturing of medical products and sustainability. 2️⃣ Challenges facing local production of pharmaceuticals in the continent. 3️⃣ Manufacturing capacity of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). 4️⃣ The role of collaboration. And much more. Have a listen. Subscribe to African Pharmaceutical Review for more content.