Clinical trials in Africa
Search clinical trials recruiting at research sites across Africa.
Clinical research in Africa
Africa is an increasingly important region for global clinical research, with trials recruiting at hospitals, universities and dedicated research sites across South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana, Uganda and other countries. South Africa has the continent's most established research sector, with decades of experience hosting international studies.
Clinical trials in Africa are overseen by national medicines regulators in each country, including SAHPRA in South Africa, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board in Kenya, NAFDAC in Nigeria and the Egyptian Drug Authority. Every study must also be approved by a national or institutional ethics committee, and the African Medicines Agency is working to harmonise regulation across the continent.
For participants, African trials offer access to international research with study-related care provided at no cost. The region has world-leading expertise in infectious disease and vaccine research, including HIV, tuberculosis and malaria, alongside growing programs in oncology, cardiology and metabolic conditions.
How trials are run in Africa
Regulators
National agencies authorise trials in each country, including SAHPRA in South Africa, Kenya's Pharmacy and Poisons Board, NAFDAC in Nigeria and the Egyptian Drug Authority.
Ethics oversight
National and institutional ethics committees review and approve every study before recruitment begins.
Research strengths
HIV, tuberculosis, malaria and vaccine research, plus growing oncology, cardiology and metabolic programs.
Find a clinical trial in Africa
Search studies by condition and location on our trial search platform. Searching and enquiring is free for patients.
Clinical trial questions in Africa
No. Study-related treatment, tests and visits are provided at no cost to participants, and many studies reimburse travel expenses. The research team will confirm exactly what is covered before you consent.
Each country has its own medicines regulator, such as SAHPRA in South Africa, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board in Kenya, NAFDAC in Nigeria and the Egyptian Drug Authority, and every study must also be approved by a national or institutional ethics committee.
Studies recruit at hospitals, universities and research sites in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Nairobi, Lagos, Cairo, Accra, Kampala and many other centres, with South Africa hosting the continent's most established research network.
Search recruiting studies by condition and location on Clinrol and submit an enquiry. The research team will check your eligibility and take you through informed consent in a language you understand before anything begins.
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The information on this page has been compiled from various sources and is provided for general informational purposes only. It may not be complete, current or applicable to your circumstances. It is not medical, legal or other professional advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional guidance. Consider your individual circumstances and risks, review the relevant official sources, and speak with your doctor or another appropriately qualified professional before making health-related decisions.