EPSS Modernizes Pharmaceutical Supply Chain, Wins African Gold Award

Addis Ababa, August 26, 2026 (ENA) —The Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Service (EPSS) is accelerating the modernization of pharmaceutical procurement and supply-chain operations through digitalization, improved inventory management and more efficient distribution, Director General Dr. Abdulkedir Gelgelo said.

The modernization efforts have earned EPSS the Gold Award at the 5th Africa Supply Chain Excellence Awards (ASCEA 2026), recognizing the Service’s reforms in digitalization, procurement and supply-chain management.

 

In his press briefing, Dr. Abdulkedir said the Service has been implementing focused reforms over the past four years to transform the pharmaceutical supply chain.

The reforms include digitizing procurement and supply-chain operations, modernizing procurement procedures, improving inventory and distribution management, and strengthening coordination among key stakeholders.

He said the reforms have significantly improved the efficiency of pharmaceutical procurement and supply operations, with processes that previously took extended periods now being completed in much shorter time.

The Director General attributed the improvements to both policy measures and digital transformation, noting that EPSS was among the institutions selected to pioneer the digitalization of procurement.

The Service’s integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP) system now provides real-time information across key areas of the supply chain, including procurement, suppliers, receipt of products, warehouse locations, product movement, availability and expiry status.

According to the Director General, the digital system is making procurement more transparent and competitive by enabling qualified suppliers from different parts of the world to participate in tenders after meeting the required regulatory, licensing and other requirements.

 

EPSS has also been working to modernize its warehouse and distribution systems in line with international standards, including through Kaizen and centers of excellence, he said.

These efforts have improved inventory processing and enabled pharmaceutical products to move more quickly into transactions and distribution, according to the Director General.

He further said the Service has strengthened last-mile delivery by increasing the direct delivery of medicines and medical supplies to health facilities, reducing reliance on major distribution points.

The Director General said the reforms have contributed to improved customer satisfaction, more cost-effective operations and stronger national pharmaceutical supply capacity.