Advancing clinical research in Sub-Saharan Africa

Afro-REACH simplifies clinical trials with expert guidance, strong regulatory connections, and local expertise.

who we are

We are a multidisciplinary team of clinical research and healthcare professionals

We are healthcare professionals dedicated to empowering patients, advancing clinical research, and strengthening healthcare systems. Our global initiatives focus on patient education, disease awareness, and capacity building to improve access to treatment across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Our Vision & Principles

Vision

To streamline clinical trials, connect experts, and improve healthcare outcomes in Africa while increasing access to care.

Operating Principles

Quality by design and inspection readiness

Patient safety and ethics-first execution

Transparent sponsor reporting and governance

Sustainable capacity building with local partners

Our Mission & Commitment

Our mission is to bridge the gap between innovation and underserved populations in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) by empowering patients, improving access to care and patient outcomes, strengthening regional capacity and providing educational opportunities.

We offer end-to-end services, including logistics solutions, regulatory compliance, site management, patient recruitment, and post-trial monitoring, all tailored to meet international standards. Leveraging our local expertise, and partnerships with healthcare providers, Afro-REACH CRO is committed to accelerating the development of life-saving treatments and vaccines while addressing the unique healthcare challenges of the region. By fostering collaboration and capacity building, we aim to contribute to sustainable health improvements and scientific progress across Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.

Nnamdi Okeke, PharmD, MBAc

President, Chief Executive Officer

our story

A vision inspired by real-world challenges

The Afro-REACH (ARO) team encompasses a group of healthcare providers who possess extensive experience and knowledge of the U.S. pharmaceutical industry but with deep ties to Sub-Saharan Africa. Witnessing the impact of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and other chronic diseases plaguing the community, they saw the urgent need for better clinical trial infrastructure and support in the region.

A personal mission: With significant family roots and background from Nigeria, they each saw the struggles of loved ones and other members of the community with SCD, diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease and quickly recognized the gaps in research and available treatment options.

Bridging the gap: The ARO Team identified challenges in regulatory approvals, patient recruitment, and logistical bottlenecks slowing trial success.

Creating change: ARO was founded to streamline clinical trials, connect experts, and improve healthcare outcomes in Africa while increasing access to care.

Why Afro-REACH?

Expertise, trust, and local knowledge

Conducting clinical trials in Sub-Saharan Africa requires strong local partnerships, regulatory expertise, and efficient logistics. Afro-REACH ensures your trial meets compliance standards and runs smoothly from start to finish.

Program oversight and site management

Cross-functional oversight of sites, CRAs and vendors, with qualification, activation and risk-based monitoring.

Regulatory agency navigation

Pathway assessment, submission sequencing, risk mitigation, import licensing and inspection support.

Logistics, import and cold chain

Importer of record, permits, customs clearance, duties, temperature control and shipment tracking.

Laboratory and sample operations

Central and local lab coordination, chain of custody, biosample export to the US and Europe.

Quality, safety and compliance

ICH-GCP quality systems, CAPA, quality risk management, TMF oversight, inspection readiness and pharmacovigilance.

Site and investigator payments

In-country payments, currency handling, withholding tax and transparent sponsor reconciliation.

Medical affairs and community engagement

Advisory boards, investigator meetings, HCP education, patient roundtables, adapted materials and medical writing.

Travel readiness and cultural navigation

Site visit support, visa processing, in-country transport, lodging and guidance on local norms.

Our Global Initiatives

Making a lasting impact in Africa

Red Blood Cell Health Education for Sickle Cell Disease – Supporting innovative therapies and awareness campaigns.

Sickle Cell Disease Patient & Health Care Provider (HCP) Education – Training patients, families, and medical professionals.

Connecting HCPs with Global Experts – Facilitating knowledge exchange in SCD treatment.

Training Africa's Next Generation of Clinical Research Professionals – Training local coordinators for clinical trial success.

Panel discussion on stage at the 2025 YBP Conference

Afro-REACH team at the 5th Global Congress on Sickle Cell Disease, Abuja

Let’s move your clinical trial forward

Afro-REACH simplifies clinical trials in Sub-Saharan Africa with expert support at every step. Reach out today and let’s get started.