GS1 participated in the African Healthcare Manufacturing Trade Exhibition and Conference (AHMTEC) 2026, held from 26–28 October 2026 at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Held under the theme “Industrialise to Commercialise”, the conference brought together pharmaceutical manufacturers, policymakers, regulators, investors, healthcare professionals and industry stakeholders to explore opportunities for strengthening Africa’s healthcare manufacturing ecosystem.
Representing GS1 at the event were Nuran Idris and Oyewo Christine from GS1 Nigeria, Martin Kairu from GS1 South Africa, and Glen Hodgson, Vice President of Healthcare at GS1 Global Office.
Through its participation, GS1 engaged with healthcare stakeholders on how global standards, trusted product identification and reliable data can contribute to stronger, more transparent and efficient healthcare supply chains.
Advancing Healthcare Traceability and Patient Safety
A key focus of GS1’s participation was highlighting the importance of product identification and traceability in the healthcare sector.
GS1 standards, including GS1 DataMatrix barcodes, support the identification and tracking of healthcare products throughout the supply chain. These standards help improve product visibility, strengthen authentication processes, support regulatory compliance and contribute to patient safety.
Discussions also highlighted the importance of regulatory harmonisation and collaboration across African markets to facilitate access to quality healthcare products.
At the conference, Glen Hodgson moderated a panel discussion titled “Regulate to Accelerate: How Regulatory Harmonisation and Reliance Pathways Will Enable Access”, bringing together regional regulatory and healthcare leaders to discuss how aligned regulations and common standards can support healthcare access across Africa. LinkedIn
Building a Stronger Healthcare Manufacturing Ecosystem
AHMTEC 2026 provided an important platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange and partnerships aimed at advancing local pharmaceutical manufacturing and reducing Africa’s dependence on imported healthcare products.
GS1’s participation reinforced its commitment to supporting manufacturers, regulators and healthcare stakeholders with global standards that enable trusted product data, supply chain visibility and traceability.
By promoting the adoption of these standards, GS1 continues to contribute to the development of more connected, transparent and resilient healthcare supply chains across Africa.
Together, we are advancing trusted healthcare supply chains and supporting safer patient care across Africa.
