The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has signed an agreement with Med Aditus Pharmaceutical Kenya Limited to develop a $40 million pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Kisumu County, Kenya. This partnership, formalized during the Africa Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) Conference, aims to strengthen local production of essential medicines and improve healthcare access across East Africa.
The facility, to be built on 10 acres in Kibos, Kisumu, will produce two billion tablets and capsules annually, targeting non-communicable diseases like diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular illnesses, as well as infectious diseases such as HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis. Designed with advanced technology, including blockchain-powered quality management systems, the plant will adhere to international standards for pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Afreximbank’s initiative is part of its Africa Health Security Investment Plan, which seeks to bolster the continent’s healthcare resilience by reducing reliance on imports, addressing counterfeit drugs, and enhancing supply chain security.
The plant’s strategic location positions it to serve markets across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and other Great Lakes Region countries, aligning with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement’s (AfCFTA) goals to enhance intra-African trade.
The project, supported by local stakeholders, including the County Government of Kisumu and the Great Lakes University of Kisumu, is expected to create jobs, improve healthcare outcomes, and foster economic development in the region.
Med Aditus CEO Dr. Dhiren Thakker emphasized the transformative potential of the plant, noting its focus on providing affordable, high-quality medicines while leveraging cutting-edge technology to revolutionize pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution in Africa.
The agreement highlights Afreximbank’s commitment to partnering with public and private entities to scale up healthcare financing and infrastructure, reinforcing Africa’s health security and economic growth.
