India & Ethiopia pave way for greater synergies in pharmaceutical development

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On November 14, 2025, a high-level Ethiopian delegation led by Frehiwot Abebe, State Minister of Health, held crucial discussions with key representatives from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) and the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC). The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation in areas such as regulatory frameworks, pharmaceutical standards, and investment opportunities in the Indian pharmaceutical sector.

The meetings are part of ongoing efforts to enhance Ethiopia’s pharmaceutical capabilities and explore opportunities for collaboration with Indian pharmaceutical manufacturers. These sessions are expected to lead to deeper regulatory harmonisation and more accessible drug testing and certification processes between the two nations.

One of the key takeaways from the discussions was the emphasis on recognising and adopting Indian Pharmacopeia (IP) standards for the testing and certification of drugs.

The delegation expressed a strong interest in leveraging IP’s robust regulatory framework to facilitate smoother and more efficient pharmaceutical trade and investment. The recognition of Indian Pharmacopeia will not only streamline testing processes but also provide significant cost advantages, thereby making Indian-made drugs more competitive globally.

Both delegations agreed on next steps including structured B2B engagements, follow-up delegations, capacity-building workshops, and a roadmap for India–Ethiopia pharmaceutical cooperation.