GMDP Academy had the privilege of participating in a landmark occasion for public health across the African continent. Professor Sam Salek, in his capacity as the GMDP Programme Director, member of the “African Regulatory Strengthening Partnership platform” and the “WHO Coalition of the Interested Parties in Regulatory Strengthening”,  attended the SCoMRA VII (the Scientific Conference on Medical Products Regulation in Africa) in Mombasa, Kenya (11-13 Nov. 2025), representing the Academy and presenting an overview of our mission, programmes, and commitment to fostering excellence in global medicines development and medicines regulation.

This year’s conference held particular significance. It marked the official launch of the African Medicines Agency (AMA)—a long-awaited regulatory body established to serve 55 countries across 8 regions. The AMA represents a transformative step toward harmonized regulatory standards, improved access to quality medicines, and strengthened collaboration across national regulatory authorities.

Professor Salek was present for the inauguration of the Director General of the AMA, Dr Delese Mimi Darko, and sitting next to each other in the photo below. Dr Darko’s  leadership, vision, and long-standing regulatory expertise will play a pivotal role in shaping the Agency’s early direction and its long-term impact across the African continent and beyond. 

Thus, the Academy was there in SCoMRA to take part in the future of Africa at such a defining moment. This opens the door for the Academy to take part in similar collaborative opportunities with future leaders of Africa as well as to continue supporting regulatory professionals around the world through competency-based education, global partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives.

As the AMA begins its important work, we look forward to deepening our engagement with African regulatory authorities and contributing to the strengthening of medicines development and regulatory systems worldwide.

Standing: Staff of AUD-NEPAD and several members of the Partnership Platform, including representatives from EMA, the German regulatory authority, and the Gates Foundation.
Sitting (left to right): Dr. Delese Mimi Darko, AMA Director General (center); Professor Sam Salek, Programme Director, GMDP Academy (to her left); Dr. Vincent Tihon, Chair, AMA Partnership Platform (to her right).
Professor Sam Salek standing beside the conference pull-up banners displaying the SCoMRA Conference theme and partners.
Attendees engaged and listening during the conference session.
Active participation by Professor Sam Salek during the conference session.

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