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A high-level Ethiopian delegation led by Frehiwot Abebe, State Minister of Health recently met the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) and the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) to discuss cooperation in areas of regulatory frameworks and pharmaceutical standards. It also held discussions in investment opportunities in the Indian pharmaceutical sector.
The Ethiopian delegation included prominent officials like Heran Gerba, Aknaw Kawza Messay Woldemariam and Solomon Abdela.
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 harmonization and more accessible drug testing and certification processes between the two nations.
“We anticipate these discussions will pave the way for greater synergies in pharmaceutical development, investment, and trade, strengthening the bilateral relationship between India and Ethiopia in the pharmaceutical sector,” said Bhavin Mehta, vice chairman, Pharmexcil.
One of the key takeaways from the discussions was the emphasis on recognizing and adopting Indian Pharmacopoeia (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 IP 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.
Botswana recently became the 18th country to officially sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to recognize IP as a book of standards for medicines. This recognition of IP in Botswana will remove double regulation, duplication in testing and post importation checks. This will further facilitate easier access to quality and affordable Indian medicines in Botswana and hence boost Indian pharma exports.
This IP recognition makes Botswana one of several countries that have officially adopted the IP as a reference standard for drug quality, reflecting the growing international trust in India's robust scientific and regulatory frameworks.
An MoU to recognise IP in Botswana was signed between President of India Droupadi Murmu and Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, President of the Republic of Botswana, at the Presidential Office in Gaborone on November 12, 2025 during her visit to Botswana. This marks the first-ever Presidential visit from India to Botswana.
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