New Essential Medicines List Official for National Health
Algeria has officially adopted its first national list of essential medicines, as announced by the Minister of Pharmaceutical Industry, Wassim Guidri. This strategic step is intended to define national priorities, ensuring the availability and continuous supply of crucial medications. The measure seeks to enhance access to care for the population and regulate the national pharmaceutical market, reflecting a firm commitment to strengthening the country's health sovereignty.
This initiative aligns with the state's broader effort to promote non-hydrocarbon exports and diversify the national economy. It embodies President Abdelmadjid Tebboune's strategic vision, which targets achieving health sovereignty and establishing the national pharmaceutical industry as a key pillar of economic development. Over the past five years, the national pharmaceutical sector has made substantial advancements in developing its production capabilities and strengthening its industrial framework, contributing significantly to the realization of national pharmaceutical independence.
The pharmaceutical industry has also demonstrated growing export capacity. In 2025, Algeria's exports of pharmaceutical materials and medical supplies reached approximately $52 million, distributed to 33 countries, including 18 African nations. While this figure is considered encouraging, officials indicate it does not yet fully reflect the sector's actual production potential, with plans to further increase export values in 2026. Algeria currently hosts about 30 percent of Africa's pharmaceutical factories, underscoring its significant potential to expand its market presence.
Evidence of international confidence in Algerian pharmaceutical products was further demonstrated by Algeria's hosting of the African Ministerial Conference on Local Production of Medicines and Health Technologies in November 2025. This event culminated in the signing of contracts for the export of Algerian pharmaceutical goods to several countries, highlighting the growing trust in locally produced medicines within international markets. The focus now shifts towards optimizing production capacities and establishing a sustained presence for Algerian products globally.
