The Minister for Finance, Dr. Mwigulu Lameck Nchemba (MP), has called on investors from France to consider investing in Tanzania’s pharmaceutical manufacturing sector to address the shortage of essential medicines, a situation caused by policy shifts in various countries around the world.
Dr. Nchemba made the appeal in Paris, France, during a meeting with officials from the French Development Agency (AFD) led by the agency’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bertrand Walckenaer.
He stated that the Government of Tanzania, under the leadership of Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, is planning to implement projects for the construction of pharmaceutical factories that will produce essential medicines, including those for malaria, tuberculosis, and antiretrovirals (ARVs), in order to safeguard the health and lives of citizens.
Dr. Nchemba was responding to a question posed by Mr. Walckenaer, who sought to understand how the Tanzanian Government is preparing to deal with recent changes in U.S. policies, particularly the withdrawal of aid in sectors such as health.
The Minister urged AFD to support Tanzania’s initiative to develop infrastructure for medicine and medical equipment production, which would help save the lives of many citizens who previously depended on donated medication.
He emphasized that investors would benefit from the vast market across the Great Lakes Region and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
“We welcome AFD to collaborate with the Government of Tanzania and the private sector in producing medicines and medical equipment so that the country can become self-reliant in this critical area of health,” Dr. Nchemba said.
He also acknowledged France’s longstanding support for Tanzania’s development since the 1980s, including contributions to the construction of Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, and support in energy, water, and agriculture projects, which have significantly benefited Tanzanians.
For his part, AFD Deputy CEO Mr. Bertrand Walckenaer said it is crucial for African countries, including Tanzania, to have their own pharmaceutical manufacturing industries to secure the future health of their citizens.
He noted that the decision by the United States to cut health and humanitarian aid through its agency USAID has created an urgent need for developing countries that previously benefited from such support to find sustainable alternatives.
Mr. Walckenaer pledged to encourage private sector players from France to invest in Tanzania’s health sector by building medicine manufacturing plants to help the country achieve its health service goals.
He praised Tanzania’s stable investment climate and sound economic management, saying it serves as a model for other African nations.
According to him, AFD has invested €1.3 billion in various development projects across Tanzania, a figure driven by the country’s policy stability and economic strength.
He affirmed AFD’s continued partnership with Tanzania in implementing key development initiatives for the mutual benefit of both nations.
These funds have been channeled into projects in sectors such as water, energy, transportation infrastructure, agriculture, natural resources, and tourism.
Also present at the meeting was Tanzania’s Ambassador to Italy, Ali Jabir Mwadini.