The Government of Tanzania has reiterated its commitment to strengthening the country’s pharmaceutical manufacturing industry and establishing Tanzania as a leading production hub for medicines serving East Africa and the wider African continent. As part of this strategy, the government continues to encourage strategic investment from China.
During a meeting with executives from Jointown Pharmaceutical Group, one of China’s largest private pharmaceutical manufacturers, Minister for Health Mohamed Mchengerwa highlighted Tanzania’s plans to develop the Mloganzila Special Economic Zone for Pharmaceuticals and Medical Equipment. The zone is intended to attract investment in the production of medicines, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and medical devices.
According to the minister, the industrial zone already benefits from modern infrastructure and has direct access to key transport links, including the Port of Dar es Salaam and Julius Nyerere International Airport, making it well positioned for pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution.
Mchengerwa also stated that the government is prepared to work with Jointown to establish local API production. Expanding domestic manufacturing of pharmaceutical ingredients would improve Tanzania’s capacity to produce essential medicines locally while supporting exports to regional markets.
“The collaboration between Jointown and the Medical Stores Department (MSD) is expected to bring transformation to the country’s supply, storage, and distribution systems for medicines, through the application of technology and the experience of this major Chinese company in managing global supply chains,” stated Hon. Mchengerwa.
The minister further emphasized that the administration of President Samia Suluhu Hassan is actively supporting pharmaceutical investments and remains committed to partnering with investors who contribute to the country’s healthcare development.
To reinforce this commitment, the government is prepared to provide adequate land for pharmaceutical manufacturing projects, particularly those focused on producing raw materials for medicines. This initiative aims to accelerate the establishment of modern manufacturing facilities capable of supplying both Tanzania and other African markets.
Minister Mchengerwa was accompanied during the meeting by Deputy Permanent Secretary for Medicines and Medical Equipment Emmanuel Tayari, Medical Stores Department Director General Mavere Tukai, Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA) Director General Prof. Adam Fimbo, and other senior officials from the Ministry of Health and organizations involved in Tanzania’s healthcare supply chain.
