The Tanzanian government is working on a strategy to end its reliance on imported medicines and medical devices. The plan involves transforming the country into a regional pharmaceutical manufacturing hub, with a target of achieving 80 percent local production of health products by 2030. This move aims to slash the country's annual pharmaceutical import bill of approximately $1 billion and create thousands of jobs.
Currently, Tanzania imports more than 80 percent of its pharmaceutical products and medical devices. However, the government has made progress in recent years, with registered pharmaceutical projects increasing from zero in 2021 to 14 in 2025. Capital inflows have also jumped to over $87 million. Despite this, local production still meets only 10 to 20 percent of national demand.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan's administration is committed to boosting domestic pharmaceutical production and ensuring local manufacturers have a guaranteed market through the Medical Stores Department (MSD). The government has set up the Pharmaceutical Investment Acceleration Task Force (PIAT) to remove bottlenecks and attract world-class manufacturers. The task force's "Green Lane" fast-track mechanism allows for simultaneous processing of approvals.
The government is receiving growing interest from large international firms, including a Shanghai Stock Exchange-listed Chinese company planning to invest in the production of generic medicines. MSD, which procures health commodities worth approximately $491 million annually, is at the heart of this transformation. The department is committed to supporting local production and has a renewed focus on fostering collaboration with corporate clients.
MSD's corporate customer service lead, Mr. Michael Bajile, emphasized the department's commitment to supporting local production. The department's extensive supplier network meets international standards and can provide advanced technological equipment. MSD Logistics Director Victor Sungusia reinforced the department's commitment to ensuring that every health facility has access to the right medical supplies at the right time.
The pharmaceutical transformation promises tangible benefits for Tanzanian citizens. The availability of essential health commodities has increased from 58 percent in the 2021/22 financial year to 88 percent as of March 2026. The government has set a target of producing at least 50 percent of hospital medicines and medical equipment locally. Pharmacists have welcomed the initiative, describing it as a transformative step.
Health Minister Mohamed Mchengerwa emphasized the importance of harmonization and pooled procurement in strengthening local production. He challenged African states to align with the continental framework for strengthening local production. As Tanzania positions itself as a pharmaceutical manufacturing hub, the government is clear that the era of dependence on imported medicines is ending, creating jobs, saving foreign exchange, and ensuring reliable access to quality medicines.
Key points
- Tanzania aims to achieve 80 percent local production of health products by 2030.
- The government has set up the Pharmaceutical Investment Acceleration Task Force to attract world-class manufacturers.
- The availability of essential health commodities has increased from 58 percent to 88 percent as of March 2026.
