Burkina: Government working to boost national pharmaceutical industry (Dr. Zacharia Yabré)

Ouagadougou, September 21, 2025 (AIB) - The Burkinabe government is working to move the national pharmaceutical industry from its “embryonic stage” to a level of sovereignty, in order to guarantee the population quality and accessible medicines, said Saturday the Director General of Access to Medicines, Dr. Zacharia Yabré.

“The pharmaceutical industry in Burkina Faso is still in its infancy. Currently, with the vision of the new authorities, the aim is to give impetus to this pharmaceutical industry, which is really slow to take off,” said Dr. Zacharia Yabré on Saturday.

The representative of the Minister of Health was speaking at the gala marking the 25th anniversary of the Gamet laboratory, which specializes in the production of modern and traditional medicines based on local medicinal plants.

“The Ministry of Health is supporting this laboratory to encourage careers. The goal is to spark interest and encourage our fellow pharmacists, as well as all stakeholders and investors, to work toward enabling Burkina Faso to achieve pharmaceutical sovereignty,” explained Dr. Yabré.

The head of the Gamet laboratory, for his part, thanked the Burkinabe government, and in particular the supervisory ministry, for its constant support.

“We are now in a period where sovereignty is essential. Our prospects for sovereignty are clear: we will continue to invest to treat more Burkinabe and Africans,” emphasized Dr. Anicet Sawadogo.

He promised to collaborate with the authorities and other stakeholders in national pharmaceutical production to develop the health sector and better serve the population.

During the gala, the Gamet laboratory presented a grant, certificates and trophies to personalities and partners.

Two late figures of the pharmaceutical industry in Burkina Faso, Dr. Jean-Marie Sawadogo (founder of the Gamet laboratory) and Dr. Zéphirin Dakuyo, were particularly noted for receiving trophies in tribute to their vision.