Luanda: The Angolan Regulatory Agency for Medicines and Health Technologies (ARMED) and the Egyptian Medicines Authority (EDA) signed an Implementation Framework of the Memorandum of Understanding in Luanda on Thursday. This agreement aims to bolster cooperation in pharmaceutical regulation between the two nations. According to Angola Press News Agency, the move follows recommendations made after an evaluation conducted at ARMED in 2022. Pombal Maiembe, the director-general of ARMED, stated that Angola seeks to expedite the enhancement of its national regulatory system, targeting maturity level 3 by 2027. "What we will gain from this signing is direct support in the implementation of the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), especially in the essential functions of the regulatory authority," he explained. Maiembe highlighted that priority areas encompass the licensing of pharmaceutical establishments, inspection and oversight, quality control of medicines, clinical trials, and drug registr ation. He noted that while Angola is currently at level 1 of regulatory maturity, progress has been achieved in areas such as licensing, inspection, and market control. "We need to consolidate this progress and achieve a more robust and internationally recognized system," he emphasized. Despite advancements, Maiembe identified ongoing challenges, particularly in licensing and inspecting good manufacturing practices for medicines. Another significant hurdle is the shortage of qualified human resources. The newly signed implementation framework marks an important step towards strengthening Angola's pharmaceutical regulatory system, directly impacting the quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines available to its population.