The development of the local pharmaceutical industry is of paramount importance due to its direct impact on public health, economic development, and national resilience.
A local pharmaceutical sector ensures a more reliable supply of essential medicines, particularly for diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and other non-communicable diseases. Strengthening this sector capacity enhances health security and reduces vulnerability to international supply chain disruptions.
Tanzania’s pharmaceutical landscape remains in its infancy. Key players in the sector include Shelys Pharmaceuticals, Kairuki Pharmaceutical Industries, and Mansoor Daya Chemicals, which account for the production of essential medicines. Yet, the output currently covers just under 10% of national pharmaceutical consumption. A significant proportion of medicines imported into Tanzania are still imported from countries such as China, India, Kenya, Egypt, various European nations, and the United States.
The Bank of Tanzania Pharmaceutical imports in 2023 reached approximately US$433.9 million. This figure represents a considerable share of the country’s overall import burden and underscores the need for Tanzania to become less reliant on foreign pharmaceutical products. This highlight the urgent need to strengthen local pharmaceutical industries, reduce import dependency, and improve production with economic growth and health security.
Global strategies, including the World Bank, have continued to advocate for a revitalized and robust pharmaceutical industry to propose a five-pronged approach:
- First, establish a comprehensive policy and regulatory framework. This includes formulation of a National Pharmaceutical Industrialisation Strategy that attracts investors. The health sector takes over 7% budget priority in Tanzania. By enabling ease of licensing, compliance and sector mobilisation, the industry can reach greater heights.
- Second, develop cluster-based economic zones that accommodate pharmaceutical industries. These should be strategically located in the northeast, lake, western, central and southern zones. Shared infrastructure—such as utilities testing laboratories, and cold storage facilities—should be provided.
- Third, provide access to finance with affordable lending targeted to facilitate upgrades and rationalise production. The Arusha-based Tanzania Industrial Research and Development Organisation (TIRDO) should also be prioritised.
- Fourth, build strong academic and human resource development. Tanzania needs a competent pharmaceutical workforce. This includes technical personnel, pharmacists, and researchers. According to the Tanzania Pharmaceutical Association, the country faces a shortage of over 5,000 pharmaceutical professionals.
- Finally, we must strengthen branding of pharmaceutical products for national reliability, visibility and scale-up.
📩 Elly Manjale is an economic, business and political issues writer.
📧 Email: emanjale@gmail.com
