President Hakainde Hichilema has commissioned the construction of Zambia’s first-ever pharmaceutical manufacturing plant, marking a historic milestone in the country’s quest to produce its own medicines locally.
The President notes that the plant, established at the Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone, will enable Zambia to manufacture over 750 essential medicines, including specialised treatments such as cancer drugs.
Mr Hichilema was speaking in a speech read on his behalf by Minister of Youth Sport and Arts, Elvis Nkhandu, during the groundbreaking ceremony, a joint venture between government and India’s Akums Drug Pharmaceuticals Limited.
ZANIS reports that the Head of State further noted that the development will drastically reduce the country’s dependence on imported medicines, lower costs, and ensure consistent access to life-saving drugs for citizens.
He emphasised that producing medicines locally will not only safeguard the nation’s health security but also create jobs, stimulate innovation, and position Zambia as a regional hub for pharmaceutical excellence.
President Hichilema also reaffirmed government’s commitment to universal health coverage, innovation, and industrialisation.
Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Limited Managing Director and Founder, Sandeep Jain, stated that his company is bringing world-class pharmaceutical expertise to Zambia to support the country’s vision of producing its own medicines locally.
He noted that all medicines to be produced at the facility have been fully approved and will meet international quality and safety standards.
Mr Jain added that the project demonstrates Akums’ confidence in Zambia’s investment climate and its commitment to contributing to the country’s industrial and healthcare transformation.
He also expressed optimism that the new plant will position Zambia as a regional hub for pharmaceutical excellence, supplying high-quality, affordable medicines to neighbouring countries and strengthening health security across Africa.
And, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Kennedy Lishimpi, added that the establishment of the plant will significantly strengthen the health supply chain by ensuring that essential and life-saving medicines are produced locally and made available in all health facilities across the country.
Dr Lishimpi noted that the local production of medicines will not only reduce the burden on the national drug budget but also help the Ministry maintain consistent supplies, especially for critical conditions such as cancer and chronic diseases.
He stated that the new facility will complement government’s ongoing reforms in the health sector, aimed at improving efficiency, reducing shortages, and ensuring quality assurance of all medical products.
This is real development