Africa: Food, Drugs, Healthcare, Life Sciences

The European Union Observatory for Nanomaterials has released a comprehensive study examining the integration of nanomaterials into flame retardants, revealing their technological promise alongside significant regulatory challenges. While evidence shows these nano-enabled materials excel at condensed-phase fire suppression mechanisms, critical gaps remain in understanding their human health impacts, environmental hazards, and long-term lifecycle behavior. The findings underscore an urgent need for improved

Eight Ghanaian research-industry partnerships have been awarded €2 million in grants to advance vaccine and pharmaceutical R&D, including malaria treatments and AI-assisted antibody discovery. The PharmaVax Ghana programme aims to translate research into locally manufactured health products, with IP protection and technology transfer playing key roles in commercializing innovations for Ghana and regional markets.

African nations are advancing agricultural innovation and biotechnology through targeted training programmes and strategic investments. From plant breeding capacity development across 10 countries to Egypt's exploration of a dedicated biotech investment fund, the continent is positioning itself to address food security and healthcare challenges through scientific advancement.

On 24 September 2026, the Ogun State House of Assembly passed the Ogun State Safe Termination of Pregnancy Bill, 2026 (H.B. No. 036/OG/2026). The Bill seeks to establish a legal framework for the termination of pregnancy in specified circumstances, with the stated objectives of reducing maternal morbidity and mortality and promoting safe motherhood and reproductive health

On 21 September 2026, the Department of Small Business Development issued an RFQ, calling on legal experts to tender in support of the creation of a framework for the recognition, protection and regulated participation of indigenous cannabis growers in South Africa.

Nigeria's investment landscape requires navigating multiple sector-specific regulators beyond initial company incorporation. Which regulatory bodies must foreign and local investors engage across agriculture, energy...

On 24 September 2026, the Ogun State House of Assembly passed the Ogun State Safe Termination of Pregnancy Bill, 2026 (H.B. No. 036/OG/2026). The Bill seeks to establish a legal framework for the termination of pregnancy in specified circumstances, with the stated objectives of reducing maternal morbidity and mortality and promoting safe motherhood and reproductive health

Nigeria's cosmetic surgery industry is rapidly expanding, yet practitioners operate under a regulatory framework that imposes no minimum specialist qualifications beyond basic medical registration. This article examines the legal risks facing both medical practitioners and patients, comparing Nigeria's approach with the UK, Canada, and the United States to reveal critical gaps in consent requirements, liability standards, and practitioner certification that leave Nigerian patients uniquely vulnerable.

Mahesh Acharya and Duane Wekesa examine Kenya's legal and regulatory landscape governing the importation, manufacture, distribution and sale of therapeutic products in a comprehensive chapter for the IBA Healthcare and Life Sciences Law Committee's global guide. Their contribution offers practical insight into the frameworks that shape market access and supply chain compliance in Kenya's healthcare sector.