Africa’s clinical research future depends on the people who design, run and regulate its trials, and strengthening their expertise is exactly what brought four francophone countries together in Dakar. From 13 April to 1 May 2026, a regional training programme dedicated to the implementation and regulation of clinical trials was successfully held at the Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odonto-Stomatology (FMPO) of Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar.
Organised within the framework of the REG-PHARMA project, funded by Agence Française de Développement, and the Sunu MAV+ project, funded by the European Union and the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, both implemented by Expertise France, the initiative aimed to sustainably strengthen clinical research and pharmaceutical regulatory capacity across French-speaking sub-Saharan Africa.
Building regional expertise in clinical research
The intensive 3 week programme brought together 33 participants from 4 francophone African countries – Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin and Gabon – including 19 regulators and 14 researchers representing regulatory authorities, research institutions and the private sector.
Throughout the programme, participants grew their knowledge and practical expertise in several key areas of clinical research and regulation, including:
- Clinical trial design and conduct
- Ethical and regulatory requirements
- Scientific assessment and oversight
- Science communication
- Regulatory and scientific evaluation of clinical trials
- Regulatory inspection of clinical trials
This initiative is part of a shared ambition to establish a robust, harmonised and efficient clinical research ecosystem capable of supporting innovation, strengthening regulatory systems and improving access to healthcare across Africa.
Pharmalys’ contribution to capacity building
As part of this important regional initiative, Pharmalys delivered focused training sessions covering essential operational and regulatory aspects of clinical research, including:
- Good Clinical Practice (GCP) principles
- Evaluation of the logistical and financial feasibility of clinical trials
- Roles and responsibilities of Sponsors, CROs and Clinical Research Associates/Monitors
Assane, Clinical Research Training and Development Team Lead, and Marieme Ba, CEO of Pharmalys, tailored the training sessions and shared their expertise through practical examples and real-world experience, creating strong interaction and engagement with participants throughout the programme.
These sessions were designed to provide participants with practical, industry-relevant knowledge and operational competencies required to conduct and oversee high-quality clinical trials in accordance with international standards.
Supporting health sovereignty across Africa
The programme concluded with closing ceremonies held on 24 April and 1 May, marking the completion of the two phases of the training. They were opened by Prof. Yoro Tine, Training Coordinator, Scientific and Educational Coordinator of the programme and an expert in clinical trial regulations, who reaffirmed the ambition of equipping participants with strong methodological, scientigic and regulatory expertise to strengthen clinical research across the region.
The success of this initiative was made possible through the close collaboration of numerous institutional and technical partners. We would like to acknowledge the essential role of the Senegalese Regulatory Agency (ARP), whose coordination was instrumental to the programme’s implementation, with Prof. Yoro Tine leading the overall scientific and pedagogical coordination.
Academic leadership for the training was provided by the Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odonto-Stomatology of Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar (UCAD), which was responsible for designing and delivering the academic programme. Under the leadership of Prof. Yoro Tine, the Faculty ensured that the curriculum combined scientific rigour, regulatory excellence and practical relevance, providing participants with high-quality training aligned with international standards.
The presentation of certificates recognised the commitment and dedication demonstrated by participants throughout the training programme. Prof. Bara Ndiaye, Dean of the UCAD FMPO, concluded the ceremonies by encouraging the continuation of similar initiatives to further strengthen clinical research development across the continent.
The training programme also forms part of a broader regional digital continuing education platform dedicated to pharmaceutical regulatory professions, supporting long term professional development and collaboration throughout the region.
At Pharmalys, we are proud to contribute to initiatives that strengthen local expertise, promote regulatory excellence and support the future of clinical research and health innovation across Africa. Find out more about capacity building at Pharmalys here.
Through our #CountAfricaIn commitment, we advocate for greater inclusion of Africa in global clinical research. As an internationally established Contract Research Organisation (CRO), we know the region is ready to do more than participate. It is ready to lead generating the scientifically rigorous data that drives critical healthcare advances worldwide.
With more than 15 years of experience designing, executing and reporting high quality international clinical trial programmes, Pharmalys is committed to bringing its expertise to Sub-Saharan Africa. Over the past decade, we have built a strong international team of highly trained and experienced professionals with the cultural insight, local professional networks and operational infrastructure required to support efficient, sustainable and impactful clinical and health research programmes across the region.
Find out more about the Count Africa In initiative at Pharmalys here.
