Cairo: Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli has emphasized the government’s dedication to advancing the localization of the pharmaceutical industry in Egypt. He highlighted the efforts to facilitate investments and attract more capital to this crucial sector during a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister for Human Development and Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel Ghaffar to discuss key sector updates.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Egypt’s pharmaceutical and medical product exports totaled $1.5 billion in the fiscal year 2024/2025, with a target to increase this figure to $3 billion by 2030. Abdel Ghaffar noted that local drug production currently satisfies 93% of domestic demand, aiming to reach 95% by 2030.
A new initiative introduced by the minister focuses on localizing inactive pharmaceutical ingredients, targeting sustainable economic efficiency by manufacturing 280 non-active substances domestically. This initiative will initially cover 30 key ingredients, addressing over 60% of Egypt’s import bill for inactive raw materials, which is anticipated to reduce import costs significantly.
The minister highlighted Egypt’s success in localizing the production of 19 active ingredients for modern cardiovascular and diabetes medications, 14 for respiratory diseases, seven for cancer treatments, and nine for advanced antibiotics. This also includes key components for immunosuppressants, antiviral drugs, eye drops, hormones, vitamins, anesthesia, gastrointestinal treatments, dermatology, and neurology drugs. The economic savings from localizing pharmaceutical raw materials are projected to reach $1 billion.
Abdel Ghaffar also unveiled plans for Egypt’s first multi-purpose active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) factory, dedicated to fully localizing the production of pharmaceutical raw materials. The project is expected to be operational by 2027.
The discussion extended to the localization of the vaccine and medical supplies industry, with strategic partnerships being formed with leading global firms to supply the African market with vaccines and essential medical equipment. Additionally, the production of medical imaging devices, including ultrasound machines, X-ray equipment, and surgical imaging tools, is set to be localized in collaboration with specialized global companies.
Preparations for the second phase of Egypt’s Universal Health Insurance System, scheduled for launch in targeted governorates, were also reviewed during the meeting. The minister presented an economic assessment of non-invasive glucose monitoring devices for children with Type 1 diabetes, further underscoring the government’s comprehensive approach to enhancing the healthcare sector.