Tanzania Sets Its Sights on Becoming Africa’s Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Hub 

Tanzania is intensifying efforts to establish itself as one of Africa’s leading pharmaceutical manufacturing centres, signalling a major shift from reliance on imported medicines to domestic production. The strategy reflects a broader vision of strengthening healthcare systems while using industrialisation to drive economic growth. As demand for medicines continues to rise across the continent, Tanzania believes the time is right to position itself as a competitive producer for both local and regional markets.  

Speaking at the CPHI China 2026 International Pharmaceutical Exhibition in Shanghai, government officials outlined measures aimed at attracting global pharmaceutical companies to invest in Tanzania. The country is promoting opportunities in the manufacture of medicines, vaccines, biologics and pharmaceutical raw materials, supported by reforms intended to improve the investment climate and accelerate industrial growth. 

One of the strongest drivers behind the initiative is the country’s rapidly expanding demand for healthcare products. Government projections indicate that annual demand for medicines will grow from about 131 million packs in FY 2024/25 to more than 600 million packs by FY 2039/40. At the same time, Tanzania’s Medical Stores Department spends nearly US$491 million each year on health commodities, providing manufacturers with a sizeable and predictable domestic market.  

To attract investors, Tanzania has also strengthened its regulatory environment. The Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA) has attained the World Health Organisation’s Maturity Level 3 status, an internationally recognised benchmark that enhances confidence in the country’s pharmaceutical regulatory systems. In addition, registration timelines for locally manufactured medicines have been reduced to 60 days, while dedicated pharmaceutical industrial parks are being developed in Mloganzila and Kibaha to support manufacturers with shared infrastructure and services.  

Beyond meeting domestic demand, Tanzania is targeting regional export markets. Officials estimate the country can serve more than 780 million consumers across the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community, creating opportunities to become a significant supplier of affordable medicines within Africa. Reduced dependence on imports would also strengthen health security by shielding the country from global supply chain disruptions similar to those experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic.  

However, the ambition comes with significant challenges. Pharmaceutical manufacturing requires substantial capital investment, advanced technology, skilled personnel, reliable infrastructure and strict adherence to international quality standards. Tanzania must also compete with established pharmaceutical producers such as India, Egypt and South Africa, all of which possess mature manufacturing ecosystems and extensive export networks. 

If successfully implemented, Tanzania’s strategy could deliver benefits extending well beyond the health sector. Increased local production would reduce import expenditure, create skilled employment, stimulate research and innovation, improve access to essential medicines and position the country as an emerging pharmaceutical powerhouse. The initiative illustrates how industrial policy and healthcare investment can work together to build economic resilience while improving public health outcomes across the region.