Stepping Up Medicinal Chemistry Capabilities in Sub-Saharan Africa: Perspectives from Early Career African Drug Discovery Researchers

Despite Africa's progress in basic and clinical sciences, gaps persist in its translational capacities, especially medicinal chemistry, a cornerstone of early stage drug discovery. Drawing on experiences as early career researchers and alumni of Africa's premier holistic drug discovery and development center (H3D), this perspective highlights key successes, challenges, and opportunities in Africa. Major barriers to drug discovery in Africa include limited hit-to-lead and lead optimization programs, insufficient Africa-tailored funding, and educational curricula misaligned with real-world drug discovery. We advocate scaling successful models, integrating drug discovery concepts into educational curricula, and forming strategic partnerships with leading African and international institutions. Africa's progress in drug discovery requires innovative funding mechanisms and resource-sharing frameworks adapted to its unique challenges. Targeted investments, collaborative networks, and reciprocal knowledge exchange are essential for Africa to transition from a consumer of global medical innovations to a leading contributor, addressing local healthcare needs and advancing global health equity.