Pharmanova Zambia Limited and Fredlab of Spain have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a mega pharmaceutical manufacturing facility called Health Hub Zambia.

Pharmanova Chief Executive Officer, Mohammed Umar, says the state-of-the-art facility will enable the production of quality medicines and medical supplies for the country.

Mr. Umar says arising from experiences learnt from the Covid-19 pandemic, his company has sought plans to embark on advanced manufacturing of pharmaceutical products.

He emphasizes that there is no reason why Zambia cannot become a Health Hub, which can supply not only Africa but also the world over.

And Fredlab Manager Julio Ruiz De Alda says the partnership will enable his company to deliver a world-class pharmaceutical complex to Pharmanova to advance the country’s pharmaceutical industry in the region.

The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the three-day Zambia European Union Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Forum, held at the Mulungushi International Conference Center in Lusaka.

Currently, the nation imports 95 percent of its medicine, leaving only five percent that is manufactured by a handful of companies.

By Victoria Kayeye Yambani