 In conjunction with ICSU the Pharmacology for Africa (Phar"f"A) initiative was undertaken in 2006 to promote and organize pharmacology on the African continent.The South African Society of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology is building a database and network of institutions and pharmacologists to create an infrastructure for training and funding pharmacologists.The long-term goal is for the African continent to attain the necessary pharmacological knowledge and resources to address disease-related issues affecting the population.