WUHAN, CHINA — Tanzania says it wants to position itself as a pharmaceutical manufacturing hub for East Africa and the wider continent by attracting investment from Chinese companies.
Tanzanian Minister of Health Mohamed Mchengerwa says the government is developing the Mloganzila Special Economic Zone for Pharmaceuticals and Medical Equipment as a centre for the production of medicines, pharmaceutical raw materials and medical devices.
Speaking during discussions with executives of China’s Jointown Pharmaceutical Group, Mr Mchengerwa said Tanzania wants to strengthen domestic production while creating capacity to supply other African markets.
He explained that the Mloganzila zone is being developed with infrastructure intended to support pharmaceutical investors and is strategically connected to the Port of Dar es Salaam and Julius Nyerere International Airport.
Mr Mchengerwa said Tanzania is particularly interested in attracting investment in the production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, APIs, which are key raw materials used in manufacturing medicines.
He noted that producing more pharmaceutical inputs locally could reduce dependence on imports while strengthening the security of medicine supplies.
The Minister indicated that the government is prepared to provide land and other support to investors willing to establish pharmaceutical manufacturing operations in Tanzania.
He said cooperation with Jointown could also strengthen medicine storage and distribution by introducing advanced technology and the company’s experience in managing pharmaceutical supply chains.
Tanzania’s Medical Stores Department is expected to play an important role in cooperation with potential Chinese investors as the country works to modernise its health commodities supply system.
Mr Mchengerwa maintained that pharmaceutical manufacturing could contribute not only to healthcare security but also to industrialisation, employment creation and skills development.
For Africa, greater local production of medicines and medical equipment has become an important development priority as countries seek to reduce reliance on imported health products.
Tanzania believes its location, transport links and access to regional markets could enable locally manufactured pharmaceutical products to serve consumers beyond its borders.
The government says it will continue seeking partnerships with investors capable of supporting the development of a modern pharmaceutical industry and strengthening Africa’s capacity to produce essential medicines locally.