PS OLUGA CHAIRS INTERGOVERNMENTAL MEETING TO PREPARE FOR AFRICAN UNION SUMMIT ON LOCAL MANUFACTURING
Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, chaired an intergovernmental technical planning meeting to coordinate Kenya’s preparations for hosting the Third to Fifth Extraordinary African Union Summit on Local Manufacturing, scheduled for to 5th, 2026.
The meeting was attended by Co-Principal Secretary Abubakar Hassan Abubakar of the State Department for Investment Promotion, alongside representatives from other State Departments, bringing together key government institutions to coordinate preparations for the continental summit.
Discussions focused on strengthening intergovernmental coordination, mobilising resources, engaging manufacturers and investors, and establishing clear responsibilities to ensure the successful hosting of the summit.
The summit will bring together African Heads of State and Government and ministers responsible for health, foreign affairs, trade and industry to advance the continent’s capacity to manufacture health products locally and strengthen health commodity security.
A key component will be the African Manufacturers Marketplace Forum, planned for –2, which will provide a platform for manufacturers, investors and technology-transfer partners to explore investment opportunities, partnerships and potential commercial agreements.
The meeting emphasised that local manufacturing extends beyond the health sector, requiring coordinated action across trade, investment, taxation, energy, infrastructure and other enabling sectors. Kenya seeks to leverage the summit to attract investment, promote innovation, expand local production and strengthen health sovereignty.
Preparations will be coordinated through oversight, steering and technical committees, with dedicated teams responsible for protocol, logistics, media and communications, documentation, technical matters, finance and administration.
The summit is expected to produce actionable decisions by African leaders, supported by a Nairobi Action Plan to guide implementation and monitor progress towards stronger African manufacturing capacity.
Through a whole-of-government approach, the Ministry of Health and partner State Departments are working to ensure the summit delivers practical outcomes that advance Kenya’s health security, economic growth and the continent’s ambition for greater self-reliance in the production of essential health products.