Dodoma. The Tanzanian government and pharmaceutical investors have set the tone for deeper cooperation and shared growth, as the government steps up efforts to drive the expansion of Tanzania’s domestic drug manufacturing industry through strategic partnerships.
The renewed drive for growth was underscored on January 12, 2026, when the Minister for Health, Mr Mohamed Mchengerwa, met medical supplies investors from A to Z, a Tanzania-based company, who have pledged to support the government’s push to strengthen local pharmaceutical production.
Addressing the meeting, Mr Mchengerwa said the government was determined to move beyond short-term gains and instead build a pharmaceutical industry anchored in quality, stability and long-term strength.
He stressed that cooperation with investors would be guided by clear standards, firm oversight and shared responsibility.
Central to this drive, the minister said, is compliance with international benchmarks, particularly certification from the World Health Organisation (WHO).
He noted that investors had committed to securing the required certification within a year, a move he described as critical to safeguarding both public health and industrial growth.
“The investors have indicated that they are ready to work closely with the government and are making substantial investments that will serve the domestic market. We have received them and we are prepared to cooperate, but the first condition is WHO certification,” Mr Mchengerwa said.
“They have confirmed that within one year this requirement will have been met.”
He further explained that the government’s strategy is to establish pharmaceutical industries capable of enduring political and economic transitions, rather than enterprises that rise briefly and fade quickly.
In this regard, he confirmed that processes were already under way for the investors to obtain Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification, which is also expected within the same timeframe.
“Our goal is to build industries that last, industries that retain strength over decades. We do not want factories that exist today and collapse tomorrow,” he said.
“That is why we stay close to investors, identify constraints early and work together to resolve them.”
Mr Mchengerwa observed that expanding local drug manufacturing would reduce dependence on imports, improve the availability of essential medicines and reinforce national health security, while simultaneously supporting industrialisation and job creation.
As part of efforts to sustain the drive for growth and consolidate partnerships, the minister invited A to Z and other investors to participate in the Tanzania Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Investment Forum, organised by the Ministry of Health and scheduled for January 19, 2026.
The forum is expected to bring together domestic and international investors, pharmaceutical manufacturers, development partners and key stakeholders from the health and investment sectors, providing a platform to deepen cooperation, attract capital and reinforce the long-term strength of Tanzania’s pharmaceutical industry.
