The construction of a state-of-the-art Industrial Pharmacy Laboratory facility is underway at the University of Zambia (UNZA) Ridgeway Campus in Lusaka.
The project, whose total construction cost is about 500 000 Euros, is supported by the European Union (EU), the German government and Southern African Development Community (SADC) in partnership with the University of Zambia.
SADC Secretariat Acting Senior Programmes Officer for Technology and Innovation, Reaboka Morakabi, has commended Zambia for its commitment to regional excellence in pharmaceutical development.
Mr Morakabi said the facility, which is scheduled to be completed in March 2026, will expand Zambia’s capacity to deliver advanced pharmaceutical training.
He further noted that the advanced pharmaceutical training will be achieved through the SADC Industrial Pharmacy Fellowship Programme (IPFP).
Mr Morakabi explained that the training of pharmaceutical professionals will address the region’s skills gap in the pharmaceutical industry.
“The facility will serve as a centre for advanced learning, research and industrial training, directly supporting the expansion of local manufacturing of pharmaceuticals.
The programme is not only developing individual skills but also laying a foundation for sustainable health, economic diversification and industrial transformation within SADC,” Mr Morakabi said.
He described the Industrial Pharmacy Laboratory as a cornerstone of the SADC region.
And European Union Programme Manager from the EU Delegation, Marta Palmarola, pledged support towards SADC and Africa’s health sovereignty agenda.
Ms Palmarola explained that the E.U member states have joined hands to support Africa in creating resilient health systems.
“The E.U is proud to stand by SADC and other partners in advancing a shared vision of a more resilient, self-reliant Southern African region. The E.U and member states are proud to work together with our African partners to ensure that everyone can access the medicine they need,” she said.
Meanwhile, University of Zambia Acting Vice Chancellor, Boniface Namangala, thanked the partners for selecting UNZA to host the facility.
Professor Namangala described the move as a demonstration of trust in the ability of UNZA to contribute to building a sustainable ecosystem for science, technology and innovation in the SADC region.
“I also want to express gratitude to the government for providing policy direction and partnerships which have made such projects possible,” he said.
