Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo [email protected]
LOCAL pharmaceutical manufacturer Varichem Pharmaceuticals is operating at above 70 percent capacity utilisation, reflecting growing demand for locally produced medicines and increasing export sales to regional markets, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce has said.
In a post on its official X account, the ministry said the Harare-based drug manufacturer has increased local production while expanding exports to Botswana, South Africa and Zambia.
“Despite supplying local demand, Varichem is also exporting a wide range of pharmaceutical products to our neighbours; Botswana, South Africa, and Zambia, raising our flag high in the region,” the Ministry said.
The ministry attributed the company’s improved performance to an investment of more than US$3 million in plant and machinery upgrades aimed at increasing production capacity, enhancing product quality and ensuring compliance with international manufacturing standards.
“This investment will enhance Varichem’s competitiveness in both domestic and export markets,” the ministry noted.
The increase in capacity utilisation and export growth comes at a time when Zimbabwe’s pharmaceutical sector is seeking to reduce the country’s dependence on imported medicines while strengthening its ability to supply products to the Southern African market.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Tadeous Chifamba, recently toured Varichem’s manufacturing and production facilities.
During the visit, he commended the company for its continued investment in local manufacturing, export development and contribution to Zimbabwe’s pharmaceutical value chain.
Ambassador Chifamba reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to engaging industry stakeholders to improve the operating environment for local manufacturers.
He assured Varichem and other players in the sector of strengthened collaboration between Government and industry to address challenges and support growth.
He also underscored the strategic importance of the pharmaceutical sector in advancing Zimbabwe’s industrialisation agenda, noting that local production of essential medicines reduces reliance on imports, saves foreign currency and creates employment opportunities.
Varichem’s performance aligns with national objectives under the National Development Strategy 1 and the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan, both of which prioritise value addition, import substitution and export-led growth.
With capacity utilisation now exceeding 70 percent and regional markets continuing to open up, industry players say sustained investment in plant upgrades, regulatory compliance and access to working capital will be critical in positioning Zimbabwe as a trusted supplier of quality pharmaceutical products within the Southern African Development Community (Sadc).
The ministry said it will continue working with manufacturers to improve competitiveness, protect local industry and support companies that are raising Zimbabwe’s profile in regional markets.
