EDA chief Dr. Ali El-Ghamrawy underscored the meeting's
importance in advancing Egypt's strategic goal of expanding into African
markets and bolstering international pharmaceutical partnerships.
The proposed factory is a practical step towards realizing
Egypt's vision of enhancing industrial integration with African nations,
according to a statement from the EDA. It aims to facilitate the transfer of
expertise and technology, boost local and regional drug production, encourage
joint investments, and streamline regulatory cooperation across the continent.
Such initiatives are intended to cement Egypt's role as a leading regional
pharmaceutical hub and enhance drug security in Africa.
El-Ghamrawy stated that supporting the localization of the
pharmaceutical industry in Africa is a strategic priority for the EDA,
identifying the African market as a key target for Egyptian pharmaceutical
expansion. This expansion, he added, will benefit the health of African
populations and contribute to the growth and self-sufficiency of the drug
industry.
Major General Mohamed Dabour, chairman of Wadi El-Nile
Company, highlighted the significance of the partnership with Zambia,
describing the project as a "pivotal step" in his company's African
expansion plans and its contribution to localizing drug manufacturing on the
continent.
John Zulu, chairman of Pendulum Estates Ltd., also
emphasized the importance of collaboration with Egypt, noting the partnership
represented a qualitative leap for Zambia's health system and for supplying
high-quality pharmaceuticals to its local market.
Both delegations expressed appreciation for the EDA's role
in developing the drug industry, commending its advanced regulatory and
technical expertise for elevating Egypt's pharmaceutical sector regionally and
internationally.
Attendees affirmed that the EDA's technical, advisory, and
regulatory support is crucial for the success of the joint factory, which aims
to improve the availability of quality medicines in Zambia and enhance overall
health security in Africa.
The meeting included Pendulum Estates representatives Bertha
Musonda Chileshe, Lamboi Crispen Mwanza, and Mbachi Mand.
The initiative aligns with the EDA's commitment to strengthening partnerships with African nations and fostering investments that promote regional pharmaceutical development, ultimately benefiting African populations and promoting local drug production.