Sunday, June 7, 2026

The Sun Nigeria

Pharma expo holds in Lagos as Nigeria set to become healthcare hub for West and Central Africa

Chukwu

Chukwu

By Adebowale Johnson

The Nigerian healthcare community and their counterparts from West and Central Africa will converge in Lagos between May 12 and 13, 2026 for  the Nigeria Pharma Health Expo, which is the largest pharmaceutical exhibition on the continent. 

The premier event scheduled to hold at the  The Balmoral Convention Centre, Sheraton, Lagos, will connect industry professionals, manufacturers, and stakeholders to showcase pharmaceutical innovations.

According to the organisers, the international expo provides an immense opportunity to capture the untapped market of the west African Region through Nigeria.

The show is organised by Astrovison Global FZCO Dubai (foreign partners) and Plough Events Ltd (local partners) headed by Mr Joseph Chukwu.

A release by Plough Events Ltd stated that the  landmark regional gathering will unite pharmaceutical manufacturers, healthcare providers, medical technology innovators, regulators, investors, and policymakers across West and Central Africa.

It stated: “As Nigeria continues to strengthen its position as the largest healthcare market on the continent, this Expo arrives at a pivotal moment. With increasing emphasis on local pharmaceutical production, improved regulatory standards, and expanded access to quality healthcare, the event will serve as a strategic platform for collaboration, investment, and knowledge transfer within the region.

“The Nigeria Pharma and Health Expo 2026 is more than a national event. It is designed as a hub for the entire West and Central African sub-region, addressing shared challenges such as medicine security, supply chain resilience, counterfeit drugs, and capacity building. By bringing together stakeholders from across the globe, the Expo will foster cross-border partnerships and harmonized approaches to healthcare delivery and pharmaceutical trade.”

The organizers said the key highlights of the event includes showcasing advances in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics, and digital health solutions tailored for African markets; direct engagement with NAFDAC, the Federal Ministry of Health, and regional health authorities on compliance, quality assurance, and market access; facilitating joint ventures, distribution agreements, and technology partnerships between African and global firms.

It added: “Nigeria’s scale, population, and economic influence make it the natural gateway for healthcare trade and investment in West and Central Africa. The Expo will leverage this position to drive regional integration, reduce dependency on imports, and accelerate the development of a self-sufficient pharmaceutical ecosystem that benefits millions across neighboring countries.”

The organizers further disclosed that they  “committed to delivering a world-class platform that elevates industry standards, promotes public-private collaboration, and supports governments’ health agendas across the region.”

Over 100 exhibitors will participate while over 2500 visitors from 10 countries, including Nigeria and South East Asia, are expected.