Africa’s pharmaceutical sector is expanding rapidly due to rising healthcare needs, chronic disease rates, and limited domestic manufacturing capacity. Many countries rely on pharmaceutical imports to meet demand for essential drugs, vaccines, APIs, and medical equipment.
For global pharma exporters and B2B pharma platforms like Pharmint, understanding which African countries import the most is key to unlocking regional trade opportunities.
Top Pharmaceutical Importers in Africa
| Country | Regulatory Body | Key Imports | Trade Insights |
|---|---|---|---|
Nigeria  |
NAFDAC | Generics, APIs, branded drugs, vaccines | Largest market; heavy imports from India, EU |
South Africa  |
SAHPRA | Oncology, biosimilars, cardiovascular, vaccines | Mature market with regulatory complexity |
Egypt  |
Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) | Antibiotics, chronic disease drugs | North African distribution hub |
Algeria  |
Ministry of Health | Vaccines, diabetes meds, medical devices | Price-controlled but high volume |
Kenya  |
Pharmacy & Poisons Board (PPB) | Generics, APIs, oncology, essential vaccines | B2B trade hub for East Africa |
Ghana  |
FDA Ghana | Branded & generic pharma | Growing partnerships with India, EU |
Ethiopia  |
EFDA | Anti-infectives, APIs, chronic disease therapies | Import-heavy; local incentives rising |
Morocco  |
DMP | Biologics, cardiovascular, hospital-grade medicine | Strong EU trade ties |
Tanzania  |
TMDA | Anti-malarials, essential drugs, vaccines | Imports from India, China, EU |
Uganda  |
National Drug Authority (NDA) | Generics, APIs, medical consumables | Focus on affordable imports |
How Pharmint Enables Seamless Pharma Trade into Africa
Pharmint is a B2B online platform that simplifies African pharmaceutical trade for global exporters, distributors, and buyers through:
Real-time pricing and cost breakdowns
COA-ready suppliers with WHO-GMP/FDA credentials
Trade finance and secure transaction support
End-to-end logistics (customs, freight, insurance)
References
- https://news.africa-business.com/post/pharmaceutucal-importers-kenya-east-africa
- https://commerce.uct.ac.za/media/672437
- https://developmentreimagined.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/afr_pharm_report_final-_format_oo_29jul.pdf
- https://www.cii.in/International_ResearchPDF/Pathways%20for%20Shared%20Progress%20India_Africa%20Economic%20Cooperation.pdf
- https://www.compcom.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/pharmaceutical-report-final-5.pdf
- https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/aldcafrica2023_en.pdf
- https://www.ntu.edu.sg/cas/news-events/news/details/manufacturing-opportunities-in-the-african-health-sector
- https://www.ifc.org/content/dam/ifc/doc/mgrt/2020-kenya-pharmaceutical-sector-diagnostic-report.pdf
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pharmaceutical_industry
