Africa & Clinical Trials Working Group
The Africa & Clinical Trials Working Group brings together the PCMG community with practical experience and interest in clinical trial conduct in Africa, with a focus on sharing real-world insights that support effective and responsible outsourcing. The group’s primary purpose is to provide a forum for collaboration, networking, and the exchange of best practices, particularly where outsourcing decisions intersect with regional operational, regulatory, and delivery considerations. Its work is grounded in the realities of clinical development outsourcing rather than abstract policy discussions.
The initial focus of the Africa & Clinical Trials Working Group is to:
- Share best practices and lessons learned from clinical trials conducted in Africa
- Facilitate open discussion between sponsors, CROs, and service providers operating in or with the region
- Identify common opportunities and challenges that outsourcing managers should be aware of when planning or delivering studies
A key planned output is the development of a “Key Principles for Outsourcing Managers” document. This practical guide is intended to support PCMG members by outlining considerations relevant to outsourcing clinical trials in Africa, drawing on collective experience rather than prescriptive rules. Delivery is currently targeted for Q4 2026. The group is also progressing a White Paper, building on discussions initiated at the PCMG25 Assembly, with finalisation planned for Q1–Q2 2026, subject to group consensus and review.
For the clinical outsourcing community, the group aims to provide:
- Practical, experience-based insights rather than theoretical frameworks
- Peer discussion on regional considerations that can influence trial delivery
- Shared resources that can be referenced during outsourcing decision-making
PCMG Africa & Clinical Trials Working Group Members
Tim Bearpark (Chair) Clinical Ink
I’m a science-driven executive with 20+ years in business development and sales leadership across pharmaceutical research and clinical trials. As SVP of Business Development, EMEA at Clinical ink, I combine a medical foundation with deep regulatory and scientific insight to drive commercial growth and clinical success.
I lead high-performing teams and build lasting partnerships with CROs, biotech, and pharma—delivering tailored, patient-focused solutions that deliver measurable value across the drug development lifecycle. My approach is grounded in strategic vision, transparency, and a commitment to improving patient outcomes.
Marieme Ba Pharmalys
Marieme Ba is the Founder and Managing Director of Pharmalys Limited, a Contract Research Organisation originally set up in the UK in 2008 and subsequently implemented in Senegal in 2012.
Today, Marieme is capitalising on her strong scientist and entrepreneur background to give back to the African health research community by setting up PACE (Pharmalys Academy of Clinical research Excellence), driven by one goal: to Count Africa In, in the field of clinical research.
Jacqueline Mirera CREA-N Health
As the Principal Investigator at CREA-N, Dr. Mirera is focused on strengthening clinical research infrastructure across Africa while integrating emerging technologies into existing frameworks. A strong advocate for inclusive research, she prioritizes community engagement and collaboration with local healthcare systems, policymakers, and research institutions to ensure sustainable growth in clinical trials. Her interests span clinical trials in infectious and non-infectious diseases, investigator-initiated studies, proof-of-concept research, and medical device trials. Committed to strengthening the clinical research landscape in Kenya and across Africa, Dr. Mirera continues to champion the development of research capacity in underserved regions, foster collaborations that enhance research opportunities, and expand site networks to improve the efficiency and impact of clinical trials across the continent.
Anne Mwangi Africa Clinical Trials Solutions
I am a clinical trial professional and strategist helping with the reshaping clinical research in Africa through data-driven insights and bold partnerships. With a passion for transforming healthcare outcomes, I drive clinical trial growth, stakeholder engagement, and ecosystem development across Sub-Saharan Africa. An experienced professional with a 20-year demonstrated history of working in clinical trials in EMEA with a sub-Saharan Africa focus in the last 10 years. Skilled in quality assurance, project management, monitoring, team management and business development across multiple indications. I thrive at the intersection of strategy, science, and partnerships— navigating complex regulatory landscapes, and championing clinical research innovation in emerging markets. Among the close collaborations are key strategic relationships with vaccine manufacturers, site management organisations, logistics and supply chain specialists. These relationships are crucial to strengthening the clinical trial ecosystem in Africa.
Christopher Obwanga IQVIA
Chris Obwanga has actively been involved in global clinical trials operations for the last 18 years. Starting his career in Canada, before transitioning to Kenya, where he has worked in several leadership roles across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA. He is well versed with research processes, strategic planning, people management and business development. He is also a co-founder of the Clinical Research Society of Kenya (CRSK), which serves as a platform for professional engagement and as a catalyst for clinical research expansion. Chris is currently at IQVIA, as Head of Site Management SSA, pursuing his passion for capacity building and advocacy for clinical research in Africa.
Sandra Johnson
Sandra has over 20 years experience in life science project management, outsourcing and sustainability. She is a member of the PCMG and one of the newer members of the Sustainability Action Group. Sandra is passionate about the environment and particularly enjoys aligning teams to ensure optimal impact across clinical trial ecosystems in low and middle income countries.
Tanja Hoffmann TNJ Life Sciences Consultancy
All-round pharmaceutical professional with 30+ years’ global experience in Biotech, Pharmaceutical and CRO business in: Clinical Operations (phase 1-4), Medical Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, Business Development and Corporate Affairs.. Contracting and Outsourcing Expert. Consultant in Data Privacy/GDPR. Passionate to drive results that truly impact patients’ health and well-being through leading and/or participating in multidisciplinary initiatives.
Natalie Fforde Phastar
Natalie Fforde is Senior Vice President of Global Strategic Partnerships at Phastar, renowned for her leadership in Biometrics and Data Sciences. With over 25 years in the industry, she has built an impressive career, spanning startups to multinational companies, and developed a vast global network in biopharma. Natalie’s expertise lies in growing and scaling profitable biopharma FSP businesses and managing large, diverse teams. Her deep understanding of the clinical trial process and her entrepreneurial success in founding and selling an international biopharma recruiting business showcase her versatility and business acumen. Known for her collaborative style and superior team-building skills, Natalie is adept at motivating and guiding diverse, cross-functional teams. Her transition from recruitment to CRO sales and operations highlights her adaptability and commitment to excellence in the biopharmaceutical services industry.
Pierre Brichot MCT-CRO
Pierre Brichot is one of the 2 founders of MCT, a regional CRO specialized in Middle East and Africa. He has worked in the CRO industry for around 20 years and develop a specific expertise in North Africa, Middle East and Sub Saharan Africa.
Watch Africa & Clinical Trials Working Group PCMG Insights Sessions
Africa in Focus: Strengthening Global Clinical Development Through Evidence, Readiness, and Partnership
January 2026
Diversity & Inclusion in Clinical Trials
November 2025