Date: 4th November 2026 Discussions from PCMG Assembly 2025 are continuing to contribute to work exploring Africa’s potential to play a greater role in global clinical development, with findings now set to be presented at the Geneva Health Forum 2026, taking place 10-12 November. A poster examining Africa’s readiness for greater participation in global clinical trials has been accepted for the Forum. This poster builds on insights gathered during an impact session and panel discussion at PCMG25, alongside global policy frameworks, operational experience from African clinical trial settings and a cross-sectional survey of clinical research professionals. The assessment identifies four key areas influencing Africa’s readiness to participate more fully in global clinical research: regulatory pathways, site infrastructure, digital systems and community engagement. Notably, 73% of PCMG25 delegates reported a positive shift in their perception of Africa’s research potential following the discussions. The wider assessment found that the challenges to greater participation are less about fundamental feasibility and more about scale, predictability and sustainability. Regulatory fragmentation, infrastructure inequalities and sponsor hesitancy are still barriers, but the findings highlight opportunities through more contextualised expansion models, stronger relationships between sites, sponsors and service providers, digitally enabled systems and more established community engagement. The assessment also considered alignment with the WHO’s 2024 Guidance for Best Practices for Clinical Trials. Its survey found that 32% of participating sites were fully aligned with the guidance, while a further 52% were partially aligned, even before its formal publication. EQUAL Working Group This development reflects the continued work of EQUAL, a PCMG working group focused on supporting the African clinical research ecosystem. The poster provides an example of how discussions and connections initiated through PCMG activities can inform further research, collaboration and opportunities to strengthen clinical trial capacity. The poster’s acceptance offers an opportunity to bring the findings to an international audience and contribute to wider discussions about more inclusive, sustainable and globally representative clinical development. Its also an example of how the value of PCMG Assembly discussions can extend beyond the event, informing ongoing work and supporting progress across the clinical research community.Latest News
PCMG Assembly discussions continue to inform work supporting African clinical research
