Delhi-based pharmaceutical manufacturer Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Limited is entering into a joint venture with the Government of Zambia to build a new drug production facility in the country. Akums will hold a 51% share, while Zambia’s government, through a nominated state agency, will own the remaining 49%.
The venture marks Akums’ first manufacturing facility outside India. The aim is for the plant to begin construction in Fiscal Year 2025-26, with commercial operations expected by the third quarter of FY 2027-28.
The facility will produce a variety of generics, including tablets, hard gelatin capsules, liquids, injectables, and beta-lactam medicines. In addition to serving Zambia's domestic needs, there are plans to export into neighbouring countries such as Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, Malawi, Tanzania and Mozambique.
To support health-care demands while the Zambia plant is being built, the Zambian government has committed to purchasing essential medicines from Akums’ Indian plants, with a value of around USD 25 million annually in 2026 and 2027.
Currently, Zambia relies heavily on imported pharmaceuticals, with over 75% of its essential medicines coming from overseas. This partnership is seen as a step toward reducing that dependency and boosting local production.
Add Comment