State woos pharma investors

DAR ES SALAAM: THE government has declared its readiness to allocate adequate land for investment in manufacturing plants, which produce key raw materials used in making medicines as part of its strategy to expand domestic pharmaceutical production.

Health Minister, Mr Mohamed Mchengerwa, made the announcement on Tuesday during a meeting with executives of China’s Jointown Pharmaceutical Group, the country’s leading private pharmaceutical manufacturer, saying the initiative forms part of a broader strategy to accelerate the establishment of modern pharmaceutical industries capable of serving both the domestic market and the wider African continent.

He said the government is ready to partner with Jointown in establishing local production of raw materials used in making medicines, a move expected to enhance Tanzania’s capacity to achieve self-sufficiency in essential medicines while supplying regional markets.

Mr Mchengerwa said the government is also developing the Mloganzila Special Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Economic Zone, which will serve as a centre for investment in the production of medicines, active pharmaceutical ingredients and medical devices.

According to the minister, the zone has been equipped with modern infrastructure and enjoys easy access to the Dar es Salaam Port and the Julius Nyerere International Airport, making it well positioned to attract pharmaceutical manufacturers.

He further noted that the planned collaboration between Jointown and the Medical Stores Department (MSD) is expected to improve the country’s pharmaceutical supply chain through advanced technology and the company’s global expertise in medicine storage, distribution and logistics.

“The collaboration between Jointown and MSD is expected to transform medicine supply, storage and distribution systems in the country through the application of advanced technology and the company’s extensive experience in global supply chain management,” Mr Mchengerwa said.

ALSO READ: TZ courts pharmaceutical investors at CPHI China

He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting strategic investments in the health sector, saying the administration under President Samia Suluhu Hassan remains committed to creating a conducive environment for investors whose projects contribute to improving healthcare services and expanding domestic pharmaceutical production.

The government initiative is part of Tanzania’s broader vision of building a self-reliant pharmaceutical industry capable of serving the domestic market while exporting medicines across East, Central and Southern Africa.

The latest engagement with Jointown comes as Tanzania accelerates the implementation of its pharmaceutical industrialisation agenda.

Earlier this year, the government announced plans to increase local pharmaceutical production from about 10 per cent of national demand to between 60 and 65 per cent by 2030, while significantly expanding domestic production of medical devices.