Tanzania is stepping up efforts to reduce its dependence on imported medicines, medical devices and other healthcare products, with the government targeting 80 percent local production of health products by 2030.
The strategy is designed to strengthen domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing, improve health security, create jobs and attract new investment into Tanzania’s healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.
Tanzania Seeks to Reduce Dependence on Imported Medicines
Local manufacturers currently meet only around 10 to 20 percent of Tanzania’s demand for medicines and health products, leaving the country significantly dependent on imports. The government aims to expand domestic production capacity and reduce this dependence over the coming years.
According to The Citizen, Tanzania spends an estimated $1 billion annually on imported pharmaceutical products and medical devices, highlighting the economic importance of developing stronger domestic manufacturing capacity.
Pharmaceutical Investment Is Increasing
Investment activity in Tanzania’s pharmaceutical sector has also increased.
Data reported by The Citizen shows that registered pharmaceutical projects increased from zero in 2021 to 14 in 2025, while capital inflows exceeded $87 million in 2025.
The expansion of these projects reflects the growing importance of pharmaceutical manufacturing within Tanzania’s broader industrial and investment strategy.
MSD to Prioritise Locally Manufactured Medicines
The government is also using public procurement to support domestic manufacturers.
Tanzania’s Medical Stores Department (MSD) has been directed to prioritise locally manufactured medicines that meet the standards of the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA) before turning to imported alternatives.
This policy could provide local manufacturers with stronger market access while encouraging further investment in pharmaceutical production.
Pharmaceutical Investment Acceleration Taskforce
The government has established the Pharmaceutical Investment Acceleration Taskforce (PIAT) to help accelerate investment in the pharmaceutical sector.
The taskforce is intended to address investment bottlenecks, coordinate government processes and speed up approvals for new pharmaceutical and healthcare manufacturing projects.
New Investment Opportunities in Tanzania’s Healthcare Sector
Tanzania’s push for greater local production could create opportunities in areas including generic medicines, medical devices, pharmaceutical packaging, vaccines, diagnostics, healthcare technologies and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
The government is actively encouraging both domestic and international investors to participate in the development of the country’s pharmaceutical and health-products industry.
Economic and Health Implications
Increasing local production could help Tanzania strengthen its health supply chain while creating employment and supporting industrial development.
Over the longer term, expanding pharmaceutical manufacturing could also strengthen Tanzania’s position as a potential regional production and supply hub for healthcare products in East Africa and other African markets.
Conclusion
Tanzania’s target of achieving 80 percent local production of health products by 2030 marks a significant shift toward greater domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing.
The growth in pharmaceutical projects, preferential procurement of qualifying locally manufactured medicines and the creation of PIAT all form part of a broader effort to reduce import dependence and attract investment into Tanzania’s healthcare manufacturing sector.
