Manila:The Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Association (EPA) has highlighted Ethiopia's potential to become a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing hub in Africa, thanks to recent policy reforms and increased investments.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, EPA President Dr. Daniel Waktole stated that the country's Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda, which emphasizes manufacturing alongside agriculture, mining, tourism, and technology, has created favorable conditions for local pharmaceutical production. Previously, the sector faced challenges due to insufficient attention and unmet quality standards required by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, recent developments show that about seven factories now comply with international Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.
Dr. Waktole noted that this progress marks a significant turning point for Ethiopia's healthcare and industrial capabilities, with projections that domestic production could meet 60 to 70 percent of the country's pharmaceutical demand within the next three to five years. The Kilinto Special Economic Zone, Africa's first for pharmaceutical manufacturing, has attracted numerous investors and high-standard companies.
The president emphasized the sector's advancement in developing local expertise and reducing reliance on foreign technical personnel. He shared that four years ago, foreign experts managed the entire setup in his factory, but now they make up only 3 percent of the workforce due to targeted training and capacity building.
Dr. Waktole attributed the increased focus on local capabilities to the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed supply chain vulnerabilities and highlighted the need for self-reliance. In response, the government has implemented reforms to encourage investment, including long-term supply contracts to reduce uncertainty for manufacturers.
He concluded that the combination of supportive policies, extended market commitments, increased investment, and growing technical capacity is laying a strong foundation for Ethiopia's burgeoning pharmaceutical industry.
