Uche Chidi-Anene led AMSP’s transition from a COVID-19 response tool to a sustainable health procurement platform for Africa.
Uche Chidi-Anene was appointed Managing Director of the Africa Medical Supplies Platform (AMSP) in June 2020. This appointment occurred at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the demand for medical supplies across Africa was urgent.
The AMSP was launched in June 2020 as a collaborative effort by the African Union, Africa CDC, Afreximbank, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). Its primary objective is to coordinate the procurement and ensure the equitable distribution of essential health commodities to all African Union member states.
With over 13 years of experience in non-governmental organisations, external relations, project management, and business operations, Uche Chidi-Anene was brought in to oversee both the strategic and operational development of the platform during its initial phase. Her role involved guiding AMSP beyond its original pandemic-driven purpose, helping it evolve into a more sustainable, long-term digital procurement solution for public health needs across Africa.
Chidi-Anene drives impact at AMSP
AMSP functions as a not-for-profit platform, with no private shareholders. Its mandate is to support public institutions across the continent in gaining access to quality-assured medical supplies at fair and transparent prices. It also aims to foster regional collaboration and self-reliance in healthcare supply chains, including through the integration of local manufacturers into its marketplace ecosystem.
Under her leadership, the platform expanded its reach beyond AU member states to include African hospitals and CARICOM countries. The platform also facilitated the pooled procurement and distribution of medical supplies during the COVID-19 crisis, reportedly benefiting nearly one million individuals.
AMSP has also worked to broaden market access for local pharmaceutical industries, including those in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo. Additionally, it established partnerships with organisations such as UNICEF, the African Vaccine Acquisition Trust (AVAT), Afreximbank, and Africa CDC to enhance logistics coordination and build greater resilience within the continent’s health supply chain.
Chidi-Anene’s leadership has focused on expanding AMSP’s operational scope while maintaining its core principles of transparency, collaboration, and public benefit. As the platform continues to adapt in a post-pandemic landscape, its role in supporting Africa’s capacity to manage its health commodity procurement is expected to remain a key feature of the continent’s healthcare strategy.
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