Paper short abstract

The comparative dynamics of local pharmaceutical production in sub-Saharan Africa are explored, with a particular focus on agreements and divergences between health and industry policymakers, and how those differences vary across a number of selected countries.

Paper long abstract

In recent years, in light of a dependence on imported medicines, an agenda has emerged in support of local pharmaceutical production in sub-Saharan Africa. Yet at times local production has also been questioned by health interests who argue that promoting locally produced over imported medicines may reduce access to medicines. This paper draws on comparative field research on the dynamics of industrial policy in support of local pharmaceutical production in sub-Saharan Africa. It demonstrates how in South Africa and within East Africa, diverging perspectives have emerged between industry and health policymakers over support for locally produced medicines. In comparison, in Ghana and Ethiopia greater support is shared between health and industry policymakers. The case is situated in relation to the comparative dynamics of African industrial policy today.