Egypt-Zambia Medical Industries Business Forum underway in Lusaka

The Egyptian government has expressed its readiness to transfer technology on the production of veterinary vaccines to Zambia in order to strengthen cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector. Egyptian Export Council for Medical Industries Chairman, Mohi Osman, says his country has…

The Egyptian government has expressed its readiness to transfer technology on the production of veterinary vaccines to Zambia in order to strengthen cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector.

Egyptian Export Council for Medical Industries Chairman, Mohi Osman, says his country has achieved self-sufficiency in veterinary vaccines, adding that its expertise in biological medicines could be shared through training and capacity-building programmes for Zambian professionals.

Speaking during the Egypt-Zambia Medical Industries Business Forum in Lusaka, Dr Osman outlined four strategic tracks for collaboration between the two countries, including direct import and export of Egyptian products.

He explained that secondary and primary packaging of bulk medicines in Zambia, manufacturing of pre-mix powders for tablets and capsules, and full technology transfer to establish accredited pharmaceutical facilities locally were also among priorities.

“Now in Egypt, we cover 100 percent of our needs from the required veterinary vaccines. That’s why we have to transfer the technology here to Zambia,” Dr Osman said.

And the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) says the country’s stock levels of medicines and medical supplies have risen from below 40 percent before 2021 to above 80–85 percent, thanks to the government-to-government procurement arrangement with Egypt.

Speaking at the same meeting, ZAMMSA Senior Manager-Corporate, Enock Lusoke explained that the agency had greatly benefited from the cordial and mutually beneficial relationship between the Governments of Zambia and Egypt.

He noted that the bulk procurement of medicines and medical supplies over the past two years had significantly strengthened the country’s health sector.

And Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) Director General, Albert Halwampa reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to deepening bilateral and private sector collaboration with Egypt, particularly in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, as part of efforts to reduce reliance on imported medicines and accelerate Africa’s Agenda 2063.

Mr Halwampa commended the forum as an initiative for fostering partnerships aimed at boosting intra-African trade, noting that while other continents record intra-trade levels of up to 80 percent, Africa lags at about 20 percent.

He further assured investors of government support through incentives, including zero customs duty on equipment and raw materials, deferred VAT, and expedited licensing processes.

Mr Halwampa added that investment licenses can be approved within hours through the Zambia Development Agency’s online system.

“Setting up factories in Zambia means accessing nearly 500 million consumers in the SADC region and up to 800 million in COMESA. Zambia is strategically positioned, surrounded by nine countries, making it one of the best destinations for investment in Africa,” he said.

Mr Halwampa also underscored the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, saying his administration prioritises trade and investment as key drivers of job creation and wealth for Zambia and the wider region.

Meanwhile, Egyptian Ambassador to Zambia, Mayada Essam noted that the Forum comes at a crucial stage following President Hichilema’ state visit to Egypt in February 2025.

She said the visit reflects the strong commitment of Presidents from both countries to advancing relations towards a more economically driven partnership, particularly by building stronger links between the private sectors of the two nations.