Africa Steps Up Clinical Research to Tackle Local Health Challenges

Africa is making a decisive move to expand its role in global clinical research, addressing the continent’s growing burden of non-communicable diseases.

Dr. Tariro Makadzange, CEO of the Africa Clinical Research Network (ACRM), is leading efforts to connect African scientists with global pharmaceutical partners to ensure more inclusive medical trials and drug development.

Currently, less than 2% of global clinical trials take place in Africa, with most focused on HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis. Meanwhile, conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and kidney disease are on the rise but remain under-researched in African populations.

By Ruvarashe Gora

Africa’s dependence on imported medicines, many of which were never tested on local populations raises concerns about effectiveness, safety, and suitability. The ACRM seeks to close this gap by fostering African-led research and trials.

“We need to be part of developing the therapies we use,” said Dr. Makadzange. “Our researchers must lead in understanding how medicines work for African patients.”

By building a strong research ecosystem, ACRM aims to empower African scientists across multiple disciplines cardiology, hematology, and nephrology to take charge of medical studies.

Dr. Makadzange points to China’s medical transformation over the last three decades, where government support and investment helped the country shift from conducting clinical trials to developing and manufacturing its own medicines. She believes Africa can follow a similar path.

While acknowledging that progress will take time, Dr. Makadzange remains optimistic. The groundwork being laid today could pave the way for Africa to develop its own cancer treatments and life-saving drugs in the future.

“This is just the beginning,” she said. “We are building the future of African medicine, one clinical trial at a time.”

With the Africa Clinical Research Network, the continent is positioning itself as a key player in medical innovation, ensuring that its healthcare solutions are tailored for its people.