Strengthening its innovation and leadership strategy through collaboration with HEC Paris.
From December 2 to 6, 2024, 29 UbiPharm executives participated in an intensive seminar in Abidjan, focusing on sustainability, leadership, and finance. Designed with the support of international experts and professors from HEC Paris, this program aims to equip participants to face a rapidly changing market marked by technological advancements, rising standards, and growing digital competition.
Structural challenges for health in Africa
The African healthcare sector faces major obstacles. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 50% of Africa’s population lacks access to basic healthcare services. This is due to insufficient infrastructure and fragile supply chains, particularly in rural areas.
While infectious diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis persist, chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension are on the rise. Furthermore, there is a glaring shortage of qualified personnel: the continent, home to 16% of the world’s population, has only 3% of the world’s healthcare professionals.
In this context, pharmaceutical distributors play a key role in ensuring access to quality medicines and care. UbiPharm is therefore committed to modernizing its practices to ensure efficient and sustainable distribution.
Anticipating the future and driving innovation
“We are proud to support UbiPharm in developing the skills of its executives,” says Armelle Dufour, Director of International Projects at HEC Paris. This partnership aims to train a new generation of African leaders capable of responding to global challenges with a sustainable and innovative vision.
Gérard Mangoua, CEO of UbiPharm, insists on the importance of continuous education: “For over 30 years, our model, based on the customer-shareholder concept, has proven its effectiveness. Training our leaders is now essential to anticipate changes in the sector and ensure access to healthcare solutions.”
A unique model for healthcare in Africa
Founded by African pharmacists, UbiPharm operates in 15 African countries and 4 French overseas territories. With 2,000 employees and a network of 4,000 pharmacist-shareholders, the group plays a critical role in medicine supply. Its commitment is rooted in innovation, social responsibility, and collaboration to meet local populations’ healthcare needs.
By facilitating access to essential medicines, particularly in remote areas, UbiPharm helps reduce healthcare inequalities and improve public health indicators across the continent.
This training program with HEC Paris marks a new milestone for UbiPharm. It reflects a shared passion for supporting the transformation of Africa’s pharmaceutical sector through innovative practices and responsible governance.
At the end of the seminar, UbiPharm’s leaders emerged with a renewed vision, ready to meet future challenges and ensure equitable access to care in Africa and overseas territories.
