WUHAN, CHINA — Tanzania says it wants to position itself as a pharmaceutical manufacturing hub for East Africa and wider markets by attracting investment from Chinese companies.
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 building capacity to supply regional 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 pharmaceutical supply chains.
The development of local pharmaceutical manufacturing is also expected to support industrialisation, employment creation and skills development while reducing reliance on imported health products.