Navigating product liability in the health sector with Amala Umeike and Samantha Silver

In this episode of the Africa Legal Podcast, host Craig Sisterson speaks with Amala Umeike, partner at Stren & Blan Partners in Nigeria, and Samantha Silver, partner at Kennedys LLP in London, on Africa’s rapidly growing health and pharmaceutical sectors and evolving product liability law, with a focus on Nigeria. Amala explains how Africa’s healthcare growth, driven by increased investment and demand, faces regulatory challenges that highlight the need for robust product liability frameworks. He emphasises the regulatory progress in Nigeria, particularly through the African Medicines Agency (AMA), but notes the complexities of defending product liability claims in Nigerian courts. Proactive compliance and strategic defense, he says, are essential for managing these challenges. Samantha shares insights from her global experience, highlighting increased scrutiny on pharmaceutical and medical devices in the UK and EU, which is influencing African standards. She advises that multinationals adopt strong compliance and risk management practices to navigate Africa’s evolving regulations. Effective risk management, recalls, and insurer collaboration are crucial to reducing liability exposure. Both guests agree on the growing importance of regulatory alignment with global standards in Africa. As consumer awareness rises, product liability claims are likely to increase, making compliance and adaptability essential for businesses in Africa’s dynamic market.