AVAREF is based on the Pan-African Clinical Trials Partnership (PACTA) principle, which brings together Ethics Committees (ECs), National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs), the Pan-African Clinical Trials Registry(PACTR) and other partners involved in product development and clinical trials. The key partners of AVAREF provide financial and technical support to AVAREF. Partners participate in all Steering Committee and Technical Coordinating Committee meetings to plan and implement activities with the AVAREF Secretariat, providing expert advice and support. Partners fall into three broad categories: