GOVERNMENT COMMENDS A TO Z'S SH20 BILLION MEDICAL MANUFACTURING INVESTMENT, PLEDGES INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES
...Says the project will reduce Tanzania's reliance on imported medical supplies, create jobs, and position the country as East Africa's medical manufacturing hub.
By Joseph Ngilisho | ARUMERU
The Government has commended A to Z Group for investing more than Sh20 billion in the construction of a state-of-the-art pharmaceutical and medical consumables manufacturing plant at Kisongo in Arumeru District, Arusha Region, describing the project as a major milestone in strengthening Tanzania's healthcare sector, advancing industrialisation, and reducing dependence on imported medical products.
Dr. Chaya noted that for many years Tanzania has spent substantial foreign exchange importing medicines and medical supplies. However, the government is now prioritising local manufacturing to reduce import dependency, conserve foreign currency, and ensure timely access to affordable healthcare products for Tanzanians.
"A to Z has demonstrated genuine patriotism by investing in one of the country's most critical sectors. This investment will create employment opportunities, facilitate technology transfer, and position Tanzania as a regional hub for the production of pharmaceuticals and medical consumables in East Africa," Dr. Chaya said.
He further explained that the government remains committed to implementing the National Development Vision 2050 and the Fifth National Development Plan, both of which prioritise expanding domestic pharmaceutical and medical equipment manufacturing through investor-friendly policies.
The Deputy Minister acknowledged concerns raised by the company's management, including the poor condition of the access road leading to the factory and the need for a reliable electricity supply, assuring the investors that the government has allocated resources to improve infrastructure in key investment zones.
"We are committed to ensuring that all major investment areas are supported by quality roads, reliable electricity, and other essential infrastructure so that industries can operate efficiently and enhance Tanzania's competitiveness in international markets," he emphasised.
Meanwhile, A to Z Group's Marketing and International Partnerships Manager, Silvester Kazi, said the company invested more than Sh20 billion in the facility to strengthen Tanzania's capacity to manufacture essential medical consumables used daily in hospitals and healthcare facilities.
He revealed that the factory will produce a range of critical medical products, including syringes, intravenous (IV) infusion sets, and blood transfusion sets, all of which are in high demand in Tanzania and across regional markets.
"The technology we have installed is world-class and designed to manufacture medical products that meet international quality standards. This investment will generate employment, strengthen the healthcare sector, and establish Tanzania among the leading producers of medical consumables in the region," Kazi said.
He added that A to Z Group remains one of Tanzania's largest indigenous investors, employing more than 6,000 workers, with the new factory expected to create hundreds of additional jobs while stimulating growth in the country's healthcare manufacturing industry.
Dr. Chaya's visit to the facility has been widely viewed as a strong indication of the government's commitment to promoting strategic industrial investments that accelerate technology transfer, enhance value addition, and reduce the country's reliance on imported medical products.
The project is also expected to strengthen Tanzania's ambition of becoming a leading supplier of pharmaceuticals and medical consumables across the East and Central African markets.
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