Tanzania is stepping up efforts to strengthen its local pharmaceutical industry, tying growth closely to international standards and long-term sustainability.
The government has emphasized that investors must comply with World Health Organisation (WHO) requirements to participate in the sector’s expansion.
On January 12, 2026, Health Minister Mohamed Mchengerwa met with representatives of A to Z, a Tanzanian pharmaceutical company, who pledged their support for the government’s drive to boost domestic drug production.
The meeting highlighted a shared commitment to building a resilient industry capable of supplying safe, high-quality medicines to Tanzanians while contributing to national economic growth.
“The government is determined to move beyond short-term gains. Our aim is to establish pharmaceutical industries that endure and remain strong over decades,” Mr Mchengerwa said.
He stressed that cooperation with investors would be guided by strict standards, firm oversight, and shared responsibility.
Central to this strategy is obtaining WHO certification, which the investors have committed to achieving within one year.
In addition, processes are already underway to secure Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification, ensuring production meets international quality benchmarks.
“These certifications are critical not just for public health, but also for industrial growth and competitiveness. We want factories that last, not ones that rise today and collapse tomorrow,” the minister said.
Expanding local drug manufacturing, Mr Mchengerwa noted, will reduce reliance on imports, improve the availability of essential medicines, strengthen national health security, and create new jobs, while supporting the government’s industrialisation agenda.
To reinforce partnerships and attract further investment, the Ministry of Health will host the Tanzania Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Investment Forum on January 19, 2026.
The event will bring together domestic and international investors, manufacturers, development partners, and key stakeholders from the health and investment sectors, providing a platform to deepen collaboration and advance the country’s pharmaceutical industry.
“The forum will help align private investment with national priorities and global standards, ultimately ensuring that Tanzania’s pharmaceutical industry grows in a sustainable, world-class manner,” Mr Mchengerwa said.