The Association of Schools of Pharmacy in Africa (ASPA) grew from a simple but important question: Is there an African association of pharmacy schools?
The idea emerged during a 2016 FIP-UNESCO UNITWIN Centre for Excellence in Africa meeting in Namibia. Prof. Ralph Altiere raised the question and highlighted how similar associations in other regions supported networking and collaborative innovation between pharmacy schools.
From an Idea to a Continental Initiative
The idea continued to develop and gained momentum at a June 2019 meeting in Mombasa, Kenya. During the meeting, participants considered the establishment of ASPA and unanimously voted in favour of pursuing the Association.
Further discussions took place during the FIP Congress in Abu Dhabi in September 2019, with representatives of pharmacy academic associations from different parts of the world contributing perspectives on the value of such organisations.
Although progress was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts resumed, and a task force was eventually established. Between April and August 2022, the task force held five meetings and developed key elements of the proposed Association, including its name, mission, vision, membership categories and governance structure.
Achieving Legal Recognition
After facing challenges with the registration process, ASPA renewed its registration efforts in Nigeria in March 2025.
On 15 August 2025, the Association’s certificate of registration was approved in Nigeria. Approximately two months after the 2025 Congress in Copenhagen, official assent was also given for ASPA’s registration in Cameroon, providing the Association with legal standing in both an Anglophone and a Francophone African country.
Looking Ahead
Today, ASPA’s mission is to advance pharmaceutical practice and science through education, research, collaboration and partnerships across Africa.
From an idea discussed in 2016 to a formally registered continental association, ASPA’s journey reflects a shared commitment to building stronger connections among Africa’s pharmacy schools and advancing pharmacy education across the continent.
