Egypt and Zambia Strengthen Health Cooperation at Africa Health ExCon 2026

رئيس الشراء الموحد.

During the fifth edition of the Africa Health ExCon 2026, Dr. Hisham Sateet, head of the Egyptian Unified Procurement Authority, met with the Zambian Ambassador to Egypt, retired Major General Toply Lubaya, along with a delegation from the Zambian Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) and the Zambian Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) to discuss enhancing cooperation in the health sector.

The Zambian side praised the exceptional organization of this year’s Africa Health ExCon, congratulating Dr. Sateet on the conference’s continued success and its role as a leading African platform for dialogue and collaboration in health.

The Zambian delegation expressed appreciation for a recent memorandum of understanding signed between the Egyptian Unified Procurement Authority and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) regarding the African Unified Procurement Mechanism (APPM). They noted that this initiative represents a significant step towards enhancing African health sovereignty and supporting integration among countries on medical supply and procurement.

Furthermore, they commended the efforts of the Egyptian Unified Procurement Authority in facilitating access to Egyptian pharmaceuticals in African markets. The delegation highlighted that Egyptian pharmaceutical products have demonstrated high efficiency and quality, earning trust from health authorities in Zambia. They also acknowledged the strong cooperation between both parties regarding compliance with contract terms and delivery schedules, as well as the efficiency observed in supply chain operations.

The Zambian side expressed interest in expanding areas of collaboration moving forward by establishing new agreements covering medical supplies and devices alongside pharmaceuticals, with a particular focus on leveraging Egyptian expertise in medical devices and technology.

Discussions also touched upon opportunities for collaboration in medical tourism, where the Zambian delegation expressed interest in utilizing Egypt’s advanced medical capabilities to allow Zambian patients access to specialized healthcare facilities in Egypt. They praised the role of the Egyptian Drug Authority in fostering pharmaceutical cooperation between both nations through agreements that have enhanced the availability of Egyptian medicines within Zambia.

The Zambian delegation outlined their country’s needs concerning hospital development and healthcare facilities, expressing a desire to benefit from Egyptian expertise through training programs and technical cooperation.

The meeting addressed the APPM framework as well, with Zambian representatives indicating their interest in utilizing this initiative to improve procurement efficiency across the continent, capitalizing on its benefits for member states to secure their medical needs effectively and sustainably.

Additionally, discussions included opportunities for localizing several Egyptian pharmaceutical and medical manufacturing industries within Zambia by encouraging Egyptian companies to invest in industrial projects within the Zambian market. This would facilitate technology transfer, build local manufacturing capabilities, and support economic and health development.

Dr. Hisham Sateet welcomed the proposals presented by the Zambian side, reaffirming his commitment to fostering collaboration with brotherly African nations while supporting health integration efforts across the continent. He indicated that proposals related to expanding cooperation areas and localizing Egyptian industries in Zambia would be reviewed in coordination with relevant authorities and Egyptian companies to achieve mutual interests while enhancing health security and sustainable development across Africa.