Dar es Salaam- Tanzania, is in the final stages of establishing Special Economic Zones (SEZs) dedicated to pharmaceutical manufacturing, a major step toward reducing reliance on imported medicines and strengthening domestic production. The initiative has already attracted strong investor interest, with more than 50 applications submitted since the process opened last December.
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health responsible for Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices, Emmanuel Tayari, said preparations for the first pharmaceutical SEZ at Mloganzila, covering about 600 acres, are nearing completion. A second site in Bagamoyo spanning 100 acres is also in its final stages, bringing the total land allocated for pharmaceutical investment to 700 acres.
Authorities describe the initiative as a strategic milestone in building a sustainable pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem. The government is encouraging Tanzanians with financial capacity to partner with local and foreign investors, aiming to secure strong local participation and ownership in the emerging industry while strengthening long-term national interests.
The SEZ programme forms part of a broader strategy to position Tanzania as a pharmaceutical hub in Africa, with projected investments of between $5 billion and $10 billion over the next decade. The country aims not only to meet domestic demand but also to export medicines to regional markets, particularly within the Southern African Development Community, including participation in pooled procurement systems to lower costs.
To support competitiveness, the government is investing in key infrastructure such as roads, electricity and natural gas within the zones, alongside plans to establish a modern bioequivalence laboratory at Mloganzila. The facility is expected to enhance research capacity, reduce development costs and ensure compliance with international standards, including Good Manufacturing Practice and WHO prequalification.
Officials say the initiative will create thousands of jobs across manufacturing, research and logistics while boosting skills development. With Tanzania currently importing medicines worth up to $1 billion annually and local production meeting only about 10 percent of demand, the government aims to raise domestic production to 80 percent within five years, positioning the country as a regional leader in pharmaceutical manufacturing.