WHO Designates Egypt’s Drug Authority as Regional Biomanufacturing Training Hub for Middle East

Egypt secured a major international recognition in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector after the World Health Organization (WHO) designated the Egyptian Drug Authority’s Continuing Professional Development Center as a Regional Training Centre (RTC) for biomanufacturing in the Middle East Region.

The announcement came during the high-level international conference, “Synergizing Biomanufacturing Workforce Development,” held in Geneva from June 3 to 5, where Egypt participated alongside global health leaders, regulatory authorities, and industry experts. The Egyptian center is now one of only six WHO-accredited training hubs worldwide under the organization’s Biomanufacturing Workforce Training Initiative (BWTI).

The designation marks a significant milestone for Egypt’s rapidly growing pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries and reflects the country’s increasing influence in global health manufacturing and workforce development. The accreditation followed intense international competition among countries seeking recognition as regional centers of excellence for biomanufacturing capacity building.

Ali El-Ghamrawy, Chairman of the Egyptian Drug Authority described the WHO decision as a new international endorsement of Egypt’s regulatory system and its ability to contribute effectively to regional knowledge transfer and workforce development.

“The selection of our Continuing Professional Development Center as a Regional Training Centre for biomanufacturing is a testament to the strength of Egypt’s regulatory framework and our commitment to supporting specialized workforce development across the region,” El-Ghamrawy said.

He noted that the accreditation crowns years of investment in advanced training programs and human capital development aligned with international best practices and regulatory standards.

According to the Egyptian Drug Authority, investment in human resources remains at the heart of its long-term strategy, with a focus on enhancing scientific, technical, and regulatory expertise to support innovation, strengthen biomanufacturing capabilities, and bolster pharmaceutical security.

Officials emphasized that the new regional role will enable Egypt to expand cooperation with international organizations and development partners, fostering greater regional integration and positioning the country as a leading hub for pharmaceutical regulation, professional training, and biotechnology capacity building.

During the conference, the Egyptian delegation presented the strategic vision of the Continuing Professional Development Center and outlined its roadmap as a WHO-accredited regional training hub. The presentation highlighted Egypt’s efforts to develop specialized biomanufacturing training programs aimed at preparing technical and scientific professionals across the Eastern Mediterranean region to meet the sector’s rapidly evolving demands.

The Geneva conference featured extensive discussions on improving coordination between the WHO, the WHO Academy, the Global Training Hub for Biomanufacturing in South Korea (GTH-B), and the six accredited regional training centers worldwide. Participants explored mechanisms to harmonize training standards, share expertise, and ensure the effective implementation of the global initiative across different regions.

The WHO accreditation further reinforces Egypt’s ambitions to become a regional leader in biotechnology and pharmaceutical manufacturing, while supporting broader efforts to strengthen healthcare resilience, innovation, and workforce readiness across the Eastern Mediterranean.