Pharma West Africa, the continent’s largest pharmaceutical trade event, is set to take place from April 14 to 16 at the Landmark Centre in Lagos. With over 250 exhibitors from more than 50 countries registered, the event is expected to attract around 4,500 visitors, marking it as the biggest iteration of the conference yet. The event, now in its third year, has become a key platform for the pharmaceutical and pharmacy sectors across Africa, drawing both local and international participants.

Global Participation and Local Impact

The conference will feature country pavilions from China, Saint Petersburg, Turkey, Bangladesh, and Egypt, alongside exhibitors from India, Vietnam, Canada, the USA, and countries in the Middle East and Europe. Domestic participants from Nigeria, Ghana, and other West African nations will also be in attendance, showcasing the region’s growing role in the global pharmaceutical supply chain.

According to the event’s organizers, BtoB Events, the conference has seen a significant rise in both international and local participation. Founder and CEO Jamie Hill highlighted the event’s success: ‘In just three years, we have built a pharmaceutical trade event that will see 250 exhibitors from more than 50 countries attracting an estimated 4,500 visitors over three days.’ The event has become a must-attend for professionals in the pharmaceutical industry across Africa.

Pharma West Africa 2025 is expected to bring together a diverse range of participants, including local small and medium enterprises, global drug manufacturers, and key players in the pharmaceutical supply chain. The event has also attracted a significant number of importers and distributors, who account for 43% of attendees. Additionally, representatives from pharmacy retail chains make up another third of the visitor base.

Market Growth and Economic Impact

The Nigerian pharmaceuticals sector is projected to generate revenues of ₦2.54 trillion (US$1.84 billion) in 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.41% expected over the next five years. Across Western Africa, the pharmaceutical market achieved a revenue of more than ₦4,120 billion (US$2.99 billion) in 2025, highlighting the region’s growing importance in the global industry.

Pharma West Africa has responded to this demand by providing a platform for local and international businesses to engage directly with key stakeholders in the pharmaceutical supply chain. The event serves as a critical meeting point for companies seeking to expand their presence in the West African market, as well as for regional players looking to strengthen their partnerships and distribution networks.

According to the event’s organizers, the conference has become a vital tool for connecting local manufacturers with international buyers. ‘We can proudly say that we partner with high-quality international VIP hosted buyers from Ghana, Benin, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Rwanda, Kenya, Cameroon, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, and beyond,’ Hill said.

Conference Focus on Supply Chain and Digital Innovation

Running alongside the exhibition is the Pharma West Africa Conference, which will feature a program chaired by Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai, former president of the Nigerian Pharmaceutical Society and founder and Managing Director of Pharmaplus Nigeria Ltd. The conference will focus on strengthening the pharmaceutical supply chain to support medicines self-sufficiency in West Africa, with a particular emphasis on the role of digital technology and artificial intelligence.

Accredited for pharmacy continuing professional development (CPD), the conference will bring together industry leaders, experts, and policymakers to discuss critical issues affecting the pharmaceutical sector in the region. Topics will include the challenges of ensuring a reliable supply of quality medicines, the impact of counterfeit drugs, and the potential of digital solutions in improving supply chain efficiency.

On the final day of the event, the Pharmaceutical Wholesalers and Dealers Association of Nigeria (PWDAN) Annual Conference will convene to explore how strengthening the medicines supply chain can help curb the distribution of substandard and falsified medicines. The discussions will provide insights into regulatory frameworks, industry best practices, and emerging technologies that can be used to improve drug quality and patient safety.

The event is expected to have a lasting impact on the pharmaceutical industry in West Africa, providing a platform for collaboration, innovation, and growth. As the region continues to invest in its healthcare infrastructure and pharmaceutical capabilities, events like Pharma West Africa will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the industry.

With its record attendance and global participation, Pharma West Africa 2025 is set to be the biggest outing for the pharmaceutical sector in Africa to date. The event will not only showcase the latest innovations and products in the industry but also provide a roadmap for sustainable growth and development in the region.

As the conference approaches, stakeholders across the pharmaceutical sector are preparing for what promises to be a dynamic and impactful event. With over 250 exhibitors and 4,500 visitors expected, Pharma West Africa 2025 is ready to become a landmark moment in the region’s pharmaceutical landscape.