Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to attracting strategic investment into its pharmaceutical industry as the government steps up efforts to reduce reliance on imported medicines and position the country as a regional manufacturing hub for health products.
Health Minister Mohamed Mchengerwa made the commitment during a visit to the headquarters of Shandong Hongyu Medical Technology Group Co., Ltd. in Weihai, China, where he held discussions with the company's leadership on potential investment opportunities in Tanzania.
The Chinese firm is among companies that have expressed interest in establishing pharmaceutical and medical equipment manufacturing facilities at the Mloganzila Pharmaceutical Industrial Special Investment Zone in Dar es Salaam, a flagship government project aimed at expanding domestic production of essential health commodities.
Speaking during a meeting with the company's Board Chairman, Miao Yingyang, Mr Mchengerwa said the government would continue improving the investment climate to attract credible investors capable of supporting the country's industrialisation agenda in the health sector.
He said collaboration with private investors remains central to Tanzania's strategy of building a resilient pharmaceutical industry that can meet growing domestic demand while supplying regional markets.
"The government will continue creating an enabling environment for investors committed to partnering with Tanzania in developing the pharmaceutical industry," the minister said, noting that public-private partnerships are critical to strengthening the country's healthcare system.
Mr Mchengerwa described the Mloganzila Special Economic Zone as one of Tanzania's priority industrial projects, saying it is expected to become a major production centre for medicines and medical devices serving both the domestic market and neighbouring countries in East and Southern Africa.
He said the Ministry of Health intends to work closely with investors throughout project implementation, moving beyond its traditional regulatory role to become an active partner in facilitating investments.
According to the minister, Tanzania's investment framework is supported by transparent laws and regulations designed to provide investors with certainty and a conducive business environment.
He said expanding local manufacturing capacity is essential for enhancing the country's health security by ensuring a reliable supply of medicines and medical equipment, particularly during periods of global supply chain disruptions.
Mr Mchengerwa added that Tanzania's drive towards greater self-reliance in healthcare does not signal a retreat from international cooperation but rather reflects the country's ambition to build long-term partnerships founded on mutual benefit, technology transfer and sustainable industrial development.
The government's push to attract pharmaceutical manufacturers forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Tanzania's industrial base, create skilled jobs and increase the availability of locally produced medicines while reducing the country's import bill.
