Groundbreaking of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plant at Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone

The Government of the Republic of Zambia today held a groundbreaking ceremony for a state-of-the-art pharmaceutical manufacturing plant at the Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone. President Hakainde Hichilema was represented by the Minister of Youth, Sports and Arts, Hon. Elvis Nkandu, MP.

The new facility, a joint venture between the Government through the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) and India’s Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Limited, marks a major step in advancing Zambia’s health sovereignty, economic diversification, and industrial transformation.

Speaking on behalf of the President, Hon. Nkandu highlighted the Government’s progress in restoring medicine availability in public health facilities - rising from below 40% in 2021 to over 80% in 2025. He attributed this improvement to decisive reforms in procurement, governance, and supply chain management. He further noted that national allocations for medicines and medical supplies had increased from K1.2 billion in 2021 to K4.9 billion in 2025, underscoring the UPND administration’s commitment to equitable and reliable healthcare access.

The new plant will enable Zambia to produce over 750 types of medicines and medical supplies locally, significantly reducing reliance on imports and positioning the country as a regional hub for pharmaceutical excellence. Beyond strengthening the health sector, the project will generate employment opportunities for young people across construction, technical, research, and production roles.

President Hichilema commended Akums and the Government of India for their partnership, reaffirming Zambia’s readiness to support local manufacturing and ensure a transparent, investor-friendly environment.