This year, the African Research Network made meaningful progress towards strengthening connections and fostering research exchange across the continent.
One of our highlights was hosting our ARN workshop during the GA Congress in Naples (August 31, 2025), where we discussed the industrialization and commercialization of herbal medicines in Africa. The program featured a keynote presentation on scaling African natural products for global markets by Denzil Phillips, followed by research presentations and a panel discussion on ethical and sustainable approaches. The hybrid format enabled colleagues from across Africa to participate and share their work.
In May, we organized an eSeminar on industry perspectives regarding natural product regulation in African countries, bringing together regulators, industry representatives, and researchers to discuss current challenges and best practices. This event contributed to ongoing dialogue on harmonizing regulatory frameworks across the continent.
We were also pleased to support the 21st NAPRECA Symposium in Kampala, Uganda (November 1-3, 2025), which brought together researchers from many African countries as well as partners from Asia and Europe. The symposium under the theme “Enhancing the Contributions of Ethical Natural Products Research to Industrial Development and One Health” demonstrated the continent’s continued commitment to advancing medicinal plant research.
Throughout the year, our steering group invested considerable effort in exploring EU Horizon funding opportunities, developing concept for projects on nutrition and natural product development.
Looking ahead, the ARN is actively preparing for the next GA Congress in Reims, France (August 30 – September 2, 2026), with plans for a pre-congress workshop and an “African Research Network Get-Together”. The network is also planning an online pitch event for African entrepreneurs in the natural products sector.
We extend our sincere gratitude to our collaboration partners NAPRECA (Natural Products Research Network for Eastern and Central Africa), AMPS (African Medicinal Plants Society), and all institutional supporters who have contributed to our activities this year. We look forward to continuing these collaborations.
As the year concludes, the African Research Network remains dedicated to advancing medicinal plant research and fostering international collaboration in 2026.
Wishing you all a joyful and peaceful holiday season!
Sincerely,
Cica Vissiennon, David Katerere, Godwin Anywar, John Igoli, Maria Halabalaki
On behalf of the
GA-African Research Network
