Yamikani Yapuwa
Malawi is set to boost its pharmaceutical industry following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) and Rephaiah Pharmaceuticals to start manufacturing medicines locally.
The project, estimated at about US$65 million will see the establishment of a pharmaceutical plant at MUST within two years. The facility will initially produce paediatric medicines such as painkillers before expanding to antibiotics and antiretroviral (ARV) drugs.
MUST Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Wilson Mandala said local production of ARVs will help Malawi save foreign exchange currently used to import medicines and open opportunities for exports to neighbouring countries.
Rephaiah Chairperson Professor Sveinbjorn Gizurarson said the investment aims to provide high-quality and innovative medicines to address pressing health needs in Malawi and sub-Saharan Africa.Secretary for Industrialisation Dr Bright Molande described the development as a major step towards industrialisation, saying the initiative will create jobs, promote research and reduce reliance on imported medicines.
He added that the partnership positions Malawi to strengthen its pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity while supporting the country’s industrial growth agenda.
