Africa Business Newsletter

Manufacturing and Production

• Local Production: Establish pharmaceutical manufacturing plants in Africa to meet the high demand for medicines, particularly generic drugs and essential medications.
• API Production: Invest in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), which are in short supply across Africa.

Distribution and Logistics

• Regional Hubs: Leverage strategic locations to create efficient supply chain networks that ensure timely delivery of medicines across Africa.
• Cold Chain Solutions: Provide advanced cold chain logistics for vaccines and temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals.

Training and Capacity Building

• Skills Development: Set up training centers to build the capacity of local healthcare professionals, pharmacists, and technicians.
• Knowledge Transfer: Partner with universities and health institutions to share expertise in pharmaceutical manufacturing and healthcare management.

Investment in Infrastructure

• Pharma Parks: Participate in setting up pharmaceutical industrial parks in collaboration with African governments (e.g., Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone in Benin, and Ethiopia’s Kilinto Industrial Park).
• Healthcare Facilities: Build hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers equipped with pharmaceutical services.

Generic Drug Production

• High Demand for Generics: The demand for affordable, essential medicines to treat diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS remains significant.
• Import Substitution: Africa currently imports over 70% of its pharmaceuticals. Local manufacturing can reduce dependency on imports, lower costs, and improve drug accessibility.

Vaccine Manufacturing

• High Need for Vaccines: Africa has low vaccination coverage for many diseases. Local vaccine production can address public health gaps.
• Government and International Funding: Initiatives like the African Union’s Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM) provide support for vaccine production facilities.

Specialized Medicines and Biologics

• Chronic Disease Treatment: Growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, hypertension, and cancer increases demand for specialized drugs.
• Biologics and Biosimilars: Rising interest in advanced therapies and biologics, especially for cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Nutraceuticals and OTC Medicines

• Growing Health Awareness: Increased awareness of preventative healthcare creates demand for vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
• Herbal Medicines: Africa's rich biodiversity supports the development of plant-based medicines and nutraceuticals.

Supply Chain and Packaging

• Pharmaceutical Packaging: Local production of packaging materials for drugs, reducing costs and enhancing supply chain efficiency.
• Cold Chain Infrastructure: Manufacturing solutions for temperature-sensitive products, such as vaccines and biologics.

Diagnostics and Medical Devices

• Diagnostic Kits: Production of affordable diagnostic kits for diseases like malaria, HIV, and COVID-19.
• Basic Medical Devices: Manufacturing syringes, gloves, and other consumables essential for healthcare services.

• East Africa: Growing markets in Kenya, Ethiopia, and BSEZ - Bugesera Special Economic Zone Rwanda for generic drugs and vaccines.
• West Africa: High demand for local manufacturing in Industrial Platform Remo Free Zone Nigeria, GDIZ - Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone in Benin, and PIA - Plateforme Industrielle d'Adétikopé in Togo for essential and specialty medicines.
• Southern Africa: South Africa's advanced infrastructure supports high-value pharmaceutical manufacturing and exports.