In a decisive move to bolster its regional influence, Algeria is deepening its economic engagement with Zimbabwe, this time targeting the vital pharmaceutical sector.
The renewed cooperation follows the recent official visit of Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa to Algiers, where he toured the facilities of SAIDAL, Algeria’s flagship public pharmaceutical group.
On his return, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Algeria, Fusumuzi Ntonga, met with Algerian Minister of Pharmaceutical Industry, Wassim Kouidri, to explore avenues for expanded collaboration.
According to officials, the discussions focused on pharmaceutical exports, technology transfers, and co-development strategies aimed at strengthening Zimbabwe’s strained healthcare system.
“Zimbabwe is a priority partner in our southward expansion. We want to share Algeria’s pharmaceutical know-how with those who need it most,” a senior Algerian official familiar with the talks told local media.
Algeria, which now manufactures approximately 79% of its own pharmaceutical needs, is aggressively positioning itself as a central supplier for African markets.
With 218 pharmaceutical facilities, including 138 production units, the country boasts one of the most robust health manufacturing sectors in North Africa. Over 100 additional investment projects are under evaluation, nearly 70% of which are directly tied to drug production.
Zimbabwe, long plagued by critical medicine shortages, offers a compelling opportunity for Algeria to expand its export footprint. However, the cooperation goes beyond transactional trade.
Both nations are reportedly pursuing comprehensive pharmaceutical partnerships, including technical training, joint ventures, and shared research, to build a self-reliant supply chain.
“This is about more than trade. It’s about autonomy, mutual growth, and learning from each other,” Ambassador Ntonga emphasized during the bilateral discussions.
The initiative aligns with the African Union’s push for regional health independence, a lesson reinforced by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent supply chain disruptions.
Algeria, in turn, sees its pharmaceutical sector not only as an economic pillar but also a diplomatic tool in Africa’s broader development agenda.
Faced with stiff competition from Asian and European pharmaceutical giants, Algeria is betting on its geographic proximity, cultural ties, and a win-win cooperation model to gain ground.
The Zimbabwe partnership could serve as a prototype for similar alliances across the continent, as Algeria aims to play a pivotal role in realizing the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
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