• New facility includes 40 laboratories, genomics platforms and a bioequivalence center

• The center will test and certify locally produced medicines to meet regulatory standards

• Investment targets reduced reliance on imported pharmaceuticals and improved health system capacity

Ethiopia has inaugurated a new research complex at the Armauer Hansen Research Institute, equipped with 40 laboratories, advanced genomics and bioinformatics platforms, and a bioequivalence center designed to test and certify locally manufactured medicines.

The facility, launched on April 4, 2026 by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Addis Ababa, is structured to support multiple stages of pharmaceutical and biomedical research, including drug development, laboratory testing, and data-driven analysis using genomic technologies.

According to AHRI, the bioequivalence center will enable scientific comparison between locally produced medicines and reference drugs, verifying their quality, safety and therapeutic effectiveness. This process is required for regulatory approval and market entry, particularly for generic medicines, and is currently conducted outside many African countries.

The complex also integrates bioinformatics capabilities, allowing researchers to process large-scale biological data, including genomic sequencing, which is used in disease surveillance, vaccine research and precision medicine.

In addition to pharmaceutical applications, the facility is designed to support health emergency preparedness and response, including laboratory-based detection and analysis during disease outbreaks.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the project is part of a broader effort to strengthen domestic capacity in critical sectors. “This modern facility goes beyond infrastructure. It is a centre of excellence dedicated to advancing a self-sustaining and healthy future for Ethiopia,” he said during the inauguration.

The launch comes as African countries continue to depend heavily on imported medicines. Estimates from the World Health Organization and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa indicate that 70% to 90% of pharmaceuticals used on the continent are sourced from abroad.

By establishing in-country testing and certification capacity, the new facility is expected to support local pharmaceutical manufacturers, reduce reliance on external laboratories, and strengthen the regulatory environment for drug production. Pharmaceutical imports account for a significant share of Africa’s import bills, with limited domestic testing and certification infrastructure constraining local production.

By Cynthia Ebot Takang