EDCTP Association at the launch of the Clinical Trial Preparedness Tool for Africa

Despite Africa carrying 25% of the global disease burden, the continent hosts only 4% of the world’s clinical trials. Many established and emerging African trial centres still lack evidence-based insight into their scientific and regulatory capacities for managing studies of varying complexity. As a result, capable centres may miss important research opportunities, while others risk entering partnerships for which they are not fully prepared.

To help close this gap, the Clinical Trials Community Africa Network (CTCAN), funded under the Global Health EDCTP3 programme, has been working to strengthen African Clinical Research Centres (CRCs) so they can attract more high-quality clinical trials and accelerate access to life-saving innovations. As part of this effort, CTCAN has developed the Clinical Trial Preparedness Compendium of Assessments, a practical tool enabling CRCs to self-assess their readiness and identify areas for improvement.

On 10 September 2025, CTCAN hosted a widely attended webinar to introduce the Compendium and demonstrate how it supports CRCs in enhancing their standards. The event drew more than 410 registrants from 100 countries, reflecting global interest in improving ethical, safe, and high-quality clinical trial conduct in Africa and beyond. It was designed for both CRCs new to clinical research and for stakeholders committed to advancing the continent’s clinical trial capacity.

Dr Thomas Nyirenda, Strategic Partnerships and Capacity Development Manager and Head of the Africa Office at the EDCTP Association, delivered the keynote address and closing remarks, underscoring the Association’s ongoing commitment to building robust clinical research systems across Africa.

To learn more, watch the webinar recording.