The Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) became a global hub for healthcare innovation from 7 to 9 April, as it hosted the third edition of the World Local Production Forum (WLPF). Organised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in collaboration with the Government of the United Arab Emirates, the event gathered an impressive 4,077 participants from 141 countries, including 16 ministers and over 230 high-level speakers from across government, regulatory bodies, financial institutions, and the private sector.
This year’s theme, “Advancing Local Production for Health Equitability, Global Health Security, and Sustainable Development,” set the tone for robust discussions on reshaping global health systems through regional manufacturing and equitable access to essential medicines.
Nigeria featured prominently at the forum, with influential voices shaping conversations on local pharmaceutical production and investment strategies. Among the Nigerian delegation were Dr Stella Okoli, founder/GMD of Emzor Pharma Industries Ltd; Mr Frank Muonemeh, executive secretary of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMGMAN); and Dr Abdu Mukhtar, national coordinator of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC).
Speaking during the session on “Strengthening Local Production Ecosystems: Innovative Financing and Investment Strategies,” Mr Muonemeh stressed the importance of the rule of law in attracting investment and fostering innovation. “The investment climate is a key determinant for risk assessment by investors,” he noted, emphasising that stability affects decisions around technology transfer, contract manufacturing, and public-private partnerships, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
At the CEO’s Forum, Dr Stella Okoli stood out as the only female African CEO among the top executives. Her message was bold and optimistic: “Africa has come of age, blessed with great talents that need to be harnessed to create a healthier world.” She called for deeper engagement from developed economies in supporting technology transfer and committing to long-term financial partnerships to bolster Africa’s capacity to supply medicines both locally and internationally.
In his presentation, Dr Abdu Mukhtar shared actionable insights from WHO AFRO member states, focusing on lessons learned in creating investor-friendly ecosystems for local production. He highlighted Nigeria’s recent strides in unlocking its healthcare value chain and encouraged stakeholders to tap into the nation’s expanding pharmaceutical opportunities.
With the 2025 edition wrapped, attention now turns to the next World Local Production Forum, which will take place in 2027 in the Republic of Indonesia. As the forum continues to evolve, it remains a vital platform for catalysing policy, investment, and innovation aimed at ensuring resilient, self-sufficient, and equitable health systems around the world.
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