Health Minister Mohamed Mchengerwa has called on Chinese investors to invest in Tanzania’s pharmaceutical and medical devices manufacturing sector as the country pushes to strengthen domestic production and reduce reliance on imports.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam on January 17, 2026, during celebrations to mark the Chinese New Year, Mr Mchengerwa said Tanzania is targeting local production of more than 80 percent of its medicine needs by 2030, with industrial investment seen as a critical driver of that goal.
“Our priority is to build strong local industries for medicines and medical devices. We are inviting Chinese investors to partner with us so that Tanzania can meet most of its pharmaceutical needs domestically,” Mr Mchengerwa said.
He said the government is placing special emphasis on strengthening local manufacturing capacity as part of broader health sector reforms aimed at improving availability, affordability and security of essential medicines.
Mr Mchengerwa linked the investment push to the long-standing relationship between Tanzania and China, which dates back to the era of the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and China’s founding leader Mao Zedong.
He said the historical friendship should now translate into deeper economic cooperation.
“This brotherhood has stood the test of time. It should now be strengthened further in a way that brings tangible benefits to both countries, especially through industrial development,” he said.
He invited Chinese investors to take part in a pharmaceutical investment forum scheduled for January 19, 2026, in Dar es Salaam, saying the platform will outline concrete opportunities available in Tanzania’s fast-growing health industry.
Under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Mr Mchengerwa said, Tanzania has set a clear target of becoming largely self-sufficient in medicine production within the next five years.
“We are determined that Tanzania should no longer depend heavily on imported medicines. “This is achievable through strategic partnerships and investment,” he said.
On his part, the Director of Administration at the Chinese Embassy in Tanzania, Mr Chen Hongchu, said the event went beyond celebrating the New Year and reflected a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
“Today is not only about celebration,” Mr Chen said. “It is an opportunity to deepen friendship and to combine our strengths for mutual development.”
He said China remains ready to work with Tanzania in promoting investment, technology transfer and industrial cooperation, particularly in sectors with high social impact such as health.
The event was jointly organised by the Guangdong People’s Association in Tanzania and the Tanzania–China Friendship Association, bringing together members of the Chinese community, government officials and business representatives.
Expanding pharmaceutical manufacturing could help Tanzania cut import costs, improve supply chain security and position the country as a regional hub for medicine production. With growing demand across East and Southern Africa, sustained foreign investment could play a key role in turning that ambition into reality.