Ethiopia Emerging as Leading Healthcare Manufacturing Hub in Africa

Dr. Barton, speaking at the African Healthcare Manufacturing Trade Exhibition and Conference (AHMTEC 2026) in Addis Ababa, stated that Ethiopia is emerging as a leading hub for healthcare manufacturing in Africa. He credited recent government reforms in regulation, foreign exchange management, and investment incentives for transforming the business climate over the last three years. Once considered a difficult market due to import restrictions, Ethiopia is now described as a strategic priority for investors looking at the continent. Dr. Barton emphasized the importance of developing domestic capacity for medicines and vaccines to achieve what is being called the 'second liberation of Africa.' He concluded by calling on the government to further support local talent through investment in universities, research, and innovation hubs to sustain this industrial growth.