From 13 to 16 October 2025, Pharmalys Founder & CEO Marieme Ba attended the World Vaccine Congress Europe in Amsterdam, one of the most influential global gatherings for vaccine development, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration.
This year’s edition brought together leaders from industry, global health agencies, policymakers, investors, and research institutions to shape the future of vaccines and global health. Pharmalys’ participation in this year’s congress reflects the company’s commitment to advancing equitable research ecosystems and amplifying voices from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Driving the LMICs Research Agenda
On 15 October, Marieme Ba joined a high-level workshop panel alongside representatives from CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations), the founder of a successful CRO from another LMIC, and an investor. Her opening remarks set a powerful tone for the session, framed around a simple yet profound message: “Come and Build.”
In her introduction, she urged participants to rethink the architecture of global research systems:
“This is not just about research ecosystems, it’s about rebalancing global health. Let’s shape a future where every community, whether in Dakar, Lagos, New York or Mexico, can generate data, drive innovation, and build research equity.”
Marieme highlighted that while LMICs have long hosted research, they have not historically driven it, even though African populations possess the world’s richest genetic diversity and many LMICs have dynamic scientific talent and urgent public health needs. The question, she said, is no longer about capacity, but sustainability.
Amsterdam Breakfast Panel: Building the Clinical Research Ecosystem of the Future
The session, facilitated by Kwasi Amfo, featured four global experts addressing complementary pillars of the LMICs clinical research landscape:
- Marieme Ba, Pharmalys: The “Come and Build” Approach
How to address historical challenges and turn Africa’s potential into central, sustainable research leadership. - Jose Jimeno, VaxTrials: Lessons from a Proven Model
Applying insights from Latin America to strengthen infrastructure in Africa and Asia. - Jakob Kramer, CEPI, NGO: Community Trust and Engagement
The foundations of ethical, inclusive, and effective trials. - Mario Barro, RA Capital: Investment Drivers in Vaccine Development
What investors consider essential when evaluating emerging markets.
Across the discussion, a shared theme emerged: LMICs are not the margins of global research – they are indispensable engines of innovation and diversity.
During her intervention, Marieme outlined what genuine ecosystem-building requires:
- Strengthened and trusted regulatory systems
- Empowered ethics committees and modern infrastructure
- Local talent development and retention
- Investment not only in trials, but in institutions and long-term policy environments
She underscored Africa’s growing momentum, pointing to major milestones such as the establishment of the African Medicines Agency (AMA), progress through AVAREF, WHO benchmarking advancements, and continental initiatives driven by Africa CDC. Funders, including EDCTP, CEPI, Gates Foundation, and Wellcome Trust, are actively supporting capacity building and infrastructure across the region.
Yet Marieme highlighted the essential role of industry:
“I am curious, how many sponsors in this room have conducted a trial in Africa outside South Africa? If not, why? And how can we build genuine partnerships that translate into sustainability? Tell us, so we can take action.”
She also pointed to emerging opportunities, including the FDA’s draft guidance on diversity action plans, which could create new synergies for LMICs inclusion.
Her closing note was a reminder that transformative ecosystems start with decisive first steps:
“The time is now. Everything starts with one. By initiating that one into play, we invite momentum to join us in action.”
Pharmalys’ presence at the World Vaccine Congress Europe reinforces the company’s commitment to advancing equity, collaboration, and capacity building across continents. Engaging with global partners and contributing to high-level dialogues is central to Pharmalys’ mission of strengthening clinical trial ecosystems in LMICs, particularly across Africa. You can find out more about our goals to Count Africa In or contact us today for more information.
As the vaccine and global health landscape evolves, Pharmalys remains dedicated to driving change, building partnerships, and championing locally led research that benefits communities worldwide.
