Chinese Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Expand Footprint Across Africa

Chinese pharma firms are deepening their presence in West Africa and beyond, with major investments in local drug manufacturing facilities aimed at improving medicine access and affordability across the continent.

 In Côte d’Ivoire, construction is well underway on a new manufacturing plant by Fosun Pharma, a leading Chinese drug producer. Located on the outskirts of Abidjan, the facility will produce anti-malarial medicines and essential antibiotics. Once fully operational, the site is expected to manufacture up to five billion tablets per year, serving 17 Francophone African countries.

 The move comes as part of a broader strategy to reduce Africa’s dependence on imported medicines. Currently, Africa imports around 99 percent of its vaccines and 70 percent of its essential medicines. This initiative follows commitments made at the 2024 China–Africa Cooperation Forum to boost local pharmaceutical production across the continent.

 Further investment is also taking shape in Nigeria, where Jiangsu Aidea Pharma and Nanjing PharmaBlock are collaborating with Fidson Healthcare on a US$100 million antiretroviral drug manufacturing plant. Despite its population exceeding 235 million, Nigeria still relies entirely on imports for HIV medications—making this new joint venture a vital step forward for local drug access.

Elsewhere on the continent:

Africa Bio Chem is working with the government of Zanzibar to establish a new pharmaceutical and vaccine plant.

In Zambia, Jijia International Medical Technology is developing a new oral cholera vaccine facility.

In Ethiopia, Sansheng Pharmaceutical is supporting local production of a wide range of medications including injectables and tablets.

These developments form part of China’s growing Health Silk Road initiative, with investments designed to improve medicine access while supporting regional economic development and pandemic preparedness. With Africa’s pharmaceutical market projected to reach US$34 billion by 2027, local production capacity is expected to play a central role in meeting rising demand and securing medicine supply chains across West Africa.

Explore Opportunities at Pharma West Africa

For Chinese pharmaceutical manufacturers looking to enter or expand their footprint in the West African market, Pharma West Africa offers a direct and highly effective route to connect with regional buyers, distributors, wholesalers, and regulatory bodies.

By exhibiting at the event, companies can gain first-hand insights into the market, showcase their capabilities, and forge valuable partnerships across the region. With strong demand for affordable, high-quality medicines and increasing interest in local manufacturing, there has never been a better time to engage with the West African pharmaceutical industry.

Pharma West Africa is the region’s leading pharmaceutical trade exhibition – a proven platform to accelerate market entry, enhance brand visibility, and drive long-term growth.