shloboe boe
Rutendo Nyeve. Victoria Falls Reporter
A group of Zimbabwean universities is spearheading the country’s ambitious drive to reduce its pharmaceutical import bill by boosting local production of essential medicines through the establishment of a pharmaceutical manufacturing start-up.
The initiative has already led to the creation of Biotech Pharmaceuticals, a start-up company that forms a central pillar of the Government’s strategy to cut reliance on imported drugs — from US$220 million in 2020 to approximately US$100 million by the end of 2025.
Professor Florence Mtambanengwe, Executive Director of Research, Innovation and Industrialisation at the University of Zimbabwe, shared these developments during an interview at the recent Association of Health Funders of Zimbabwe Conference held in Victoria Falls.
Prof Mtambanengwe outlined the collaborative effort involving several institutions.
“There is a consortium of universities that includes the University of Zimbabwe, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Harare Institute of Technology, and a parastatal called the National Biotechnology Authority,” she said.
The consortium has moved beyond planning into implementation.
“We have established a start-up company called Biotech Pharmaceuticals and assigned specific focus areas to each partner. Chinhoyi is handling vaccine production, which has already commenced. HIT is producing injectables, and that too is underway.
“Now, UZ will focus on solids and IV fluids, expected to begin within the next three months. The National Biotech Authority will work on biosimilars. So, I believe we are on track,” said Prof Mtambanengwe.
This targeted approach ensures the consortium covers a broad spectrum of essential medicines — from basic tablets and life-saving injectables to complex biological drugs. Supporting infrastructure is also being developed. Prof Mtambanengwe highlighted progress at the University of Zimbabwe’s Industrial Park.
“The next module is dedicated to drugs and pharmaceuticals. We are currently awaiting Government funding, which has been promised, but we are also seeking additional partners. We expect construction of the manufacturing plant to begin in a few months,” she said.
The innovation hub model is being replicated across the country’s higher education sector.
“The University of Zimbabwe is not the only institution with an innovation hub. At least seven universities have them, and the plan is to establish hubs in all 13 state universities,” said Prof Mtambanengwe.
She emphasised a decentralised and pragmatic approach to fostering home-grown innovation, noting the autonomy universities enjoy in this space.
“As universities, we are allowed to pursue these initiatives independently. We don’t need approvals until we reach the industrialisation stage. Then we can begin seeking the necessary authorisations. So, we are conducting research tailored to Zimbabwe,” she said.
This academic-led initiative is receiving strong Government backing under the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan (2024–2025). The Government aims to reduce the country’s medical import bill by at least US$100 million by year-end.
Recently, Cabinet announced a series of measures to support the pharmaceutical sector. Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment.
“To ensure continued growth of the pharmaceutical value chain, the Government of Zimbabwe will continue to provide adequate funding to Natpharm and ensure sustained uptake of locally produced drugs by public and private sector agencies.
“A Pharmaceutical Revolving Fund will be established to provide affordable financing for the industry. VAT zero-rating on pharmaceutical products will be reinstated, and reliance on drug imports will be reduced by establishing local drug testing capabilities. The Sugar Content Tax will also be prioritised to enhance financial support for the production of essential medicines,” said Dr Muswere.
These measures are vital for increasing local capacity utilisation, boosting investor confidence, and ensuring the commercial viability of emerging companies like Biotech Pharmaceuticals.
The combined efforts of academic innovation, targeted industrial strategy, and supportive Government policy mark a transformative moment for Zimbabwe.
By harnessing the research capabilities of universities and creating a conducive business environment, Zimbabwe is not only working towards improved health security and conserving foreign currency, but also laying the foundation for a knowledge-based economy.
Online Reporter