Driving African health sovereignty earns Dr Makanga a special prize of Prix Galien Africa

Dr Michael Makanga, Executive Director of Global Health EDCTP3, has been awarded a Special Career Achievement Prize of the Prix Galien Africa 2025 in recognition of his exceptional leadership in medical research and his role in amplifying the African voice on the global stage. The award was presented by the President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, on 31 October 2025 at the 8th Galien Forum Africa in Dakar, held under the theme Health sovereignty: an imperative for Africa.

‘I want to inspire others to raise their voices for excellence, science and equity’

Dr Makanga described the recognition as ‘deeply personal’, noting that it celebrates his career-long commitment to advancing Africa’s health sovereignty through global health research and development. 

‘This Special Prize recognises my career’s contribution to advancing Africa’s health sovereignty through global health research and development, and it strengthens my resolve to inspire others, especially the younger generation, to deliver tangible results and raise their voices for science and equity.’

Dr Michael Makanga, Global Health EDCTP3 Executive Director

Recognising a career dedicated to African capacity and health sovereignty

Throughout his career, Dr Makanga has worked to strengthen clinical research capacity and promote equitable partnerships across Africa. Through his leadership at Global Health EDCTP3, and previously at the EDCTP Association, he has championed African-led science and the sustainable development of research systems that empower local institutions to address the continent’s most pressing health challenges. 

His vision of health sovereignty centres on empowerment and resilience, enabling individuals, communities and nations to govern their own health decisions through locally driven solutions built on equity, mutual respect and shared benefits.

Scientific excellence as the foundation of sovereignty

As highlighted during the ceremony by the President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, ‘scientific excellence is not negotiable; it is earned. It underpins our credibility and our sovereignty.’ 

Reflecting on this message, Dr Makanga emphasised the importance of continued investment in African science: ‘I hope this recognition serves as a reminder that Africa’s scientists and innovators can lead global health research with excellence and purpose. We owe it to the next generation to continue building the systems and confidence that make this possible.’

‘Africa’s scientists and innovators can lead global health research with excellence and purpose.’

Dr Michael Makanga, Global Health EDCTP3 Executive Director

2025 Prix Galien Africa awardees

• La Ruche Health (Côte d’Ivoire) – Main Prize for its digital health platform connecting users with certified healthcare professionals and offering culturally appropriate, person-centred care.
• Dr Michael Makanga (Uganda) – Special Prize for leadership in biomedical research and advancing Africa’s health sovereignty.
• Adji Bousso Dieng (Senegal) – Special Prize for pioneering work in artificial intelligence and data science.

The 2025 edition of the Prix Galien Africa was organised in partnership with the Presidency of the Republic of Senegal, the Gates Foundation, the West African Health Organization (WAHO) and The Rockefeller Foundation.

About the Prix Galien Africa

The Prix Galien Africa rewards outstanding achievements in pharmaceutical research, biotechnology, medical devices and digital health that have a transformative impact on the continent.

The Prix Galien Africa 2025 jury was co-chaired by Dr John Nkengasong and Professor Souleymane Mboup, supported by a distinguished honorary committee and a board of experts. The selection followed a rigorous and transparent evaluation process guided by scientific excellence and meritocracy.