MWE Correspondent
Tanzania is moving to fast-track the growth of its pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, with the government stressing that local drug production is not just another industrial activity but a strategic investment with far-reaching implications for public health, economic stability and the country’s global standing.
Speaking on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, in Dar es Salaam during a working session with local manufacturers of health products, Health Minister Mohamed Mchengerwa said the government has recognised that the pharmaceutical sector is too critical to be left at the mercy of slow and fragmented bureaucratic processes. Instead, he said, it requires special handling that reflects its importance to the wellbeing and security of the nation.
According to the minister, countries that invest in strong local drug production systems are better positioned to protect their populations, especially during emergencies, while also reducing dependence on imports. He noted that Tanzania’s vision is to strengthen its health system by expanding domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing and gradually positioning the country as a reliable producer of medicines for the wider region.
To support this goal, the government has introduced a fast-track decision-making framework tailored specifically for pharmaceutical projects. Under this arrangement, key processes such as licensing, permits, land allocation, taxation matters, product registration and access to infrastructure will be handled simultaneously, rather than through lengthy step-by-step procedures that often delay investment.
“The intention is to ensure that serious investors receive clear and timely decisions,” Mchengerwa said. “We want a system where genuine projects move quickly from planning to production, without unnecessary back-and-forth, while still meeting all required standards.”
The announcement comes at a time when many countries are reassessing their reliance on imported medicines following recent global health shocks that exposed weaknesses in international supply chains. Analysts say stronger local production helps countries maintain consistent access to essential medicines, stabilise prices and respond more effectively to health crises, all of which are central to protecting public health.
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Mchengerwa emphasised that speeding up approvals does not mean lowering standards. He said safety, quality and effectiveness of medicines will remain strictly regulated, guided by science and internationally accepted practices. Regulatory bodies, he added, will continue to play a critical role in ensuring that medicines produced locally meet required benchmarks.
Manufacturers who attended the meeting welcomed the government’s stance, saying it reflects a deeper understanding of the challenges facing the sector. Several noted that long approval timelines and overlapping regulatory demands have in the past slowed expansion plans and discouraged investment in new technologies and research.
Beyond health benefits, the government views pharmaceutical production as a catalyst for broader economic growth. Expanding the sector is expected to create skilled jobs, promote innovation and reduce the foreign exchange burden associated with importing medicines. Officials also believe the strategy aligns with Tanzania’s wider push for industrialisation and value addition within the economy.
Mchengerwa concluded by calling for close cooperation between the government and private manufacturers, urging industry players to invest responsibly, uphold ethical standards and align their operations with national development goals.
