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The Zambian government has reportedly signed a Joint Venture (JV) agreement with one of India’s largest pharmaceutical companies, Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Limited, to establish a manufacturing plant for the local production of approximately 150 essential medicines.
Under the agreement, Akums is expected to localize drug production in Zambia.
This development was confirmed in a statement issued on Saturday by Bennie Mundando, First Secretary for Press and Tourism at the Zambian High Commission in New Delhi, India.
According to the agreement, nearly 150 different pharmaceutical products will reportedly be produced in Zambia, moving the country closer to self-sufficiency in essential medicine production.
The deal was concluded on Thursday by a high-level delegation led by Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet for Finance and Economic Development, Dr. Siazongo Siakalenge, Ministry of Justice Permanent Secretary for Legal Affairs, Mwenya Bwalya, and Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, among others.
A groundbreaking ceremony to be officiated by President Hakainde Hichilema is expected to take place in September this year.
Speaking after the signing, Siakalenge expressed the government’s appreciation to Akums for supporting Zambia’s efforts to ensure a steady supply of essential medicines.
“They are coming to Zambia to establish their 14th plant—the first of its kind outside India. Once operational, Zambia will no longer need to import essential drugs,” he said.
Similarly, Akums President for International Business, Ashok Saroha, said the Zambian project would mark the company’s first manufacturing facility outside India, describing it as a key step in its ambition to become a global pharmaceutical manufacturer.
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“For us, this is a special moment. This facility will not only serve Zambia but symbolizes our commitment to help make the country self-reliant in essential medicine production,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lishimpi, who signed the agreement on behalf of the Zambian Government, described the JV as a significant milestone and a game changer in Zambia’s medical supply landscape.
“This is a big step for us. We are thankful to Akums for giving us this opportunity to transform access to affordable, effective, and quality medicines for our people,” he said.
The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), represented by its Director General Albert Halwampa, and the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA), represented by Acting Director General Dr. John Kachimba, have been tasked with facilitating other processes, including registration and regulatory approvals.
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