UAE-based pharmaceuticals manufacturer Julphar has inaugurated its first manufacturing facility in Africa in Ethiopia, in conjunction with Medtech, its local Ethiopian partner.
The official opening ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, HE Hailemariam Desalegn, Dr Yousif Eissa Hassan Alsabri, UAE Ambassador to the Federal Democratic of Ethiopia, HH Sheikh Faisal Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of Julphar and HH Sheikh Saqr bin Humaid Al Qasimi. Other guests included ambassadors from the region, UAE Government representatives including HH Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade and the Ethiopian Minister of Health, HE Dr Kebede Worku.
The Julphar Ethiopia manufacturing facility marks a significant milestone in the company's history and is a major part of its international expansion strategy. Once fully operational, each year the cGMP compliant facility will produce 25 million bottles of suspension and syrup, 500 million tablets and 200 million capsules.
The 40,000ft2 (3,716m2) plant located in the Gerji Jakros region of Addis Ababa is equipped with state-of-the-art technology enabling production of Julphar products for the local market and the African continent. Julphar has invested 170 million birrs (approximately US$46m; €34m) in the construction of the plant.
Julphar is a real showcase for other companies looking to invest into Ethiopia
Recruitment of 50 local staff is currently underway across quality assurance, quality control, production and maintenance, regulatory affairs and various administrative roles. Further and ongoing recruitment will occur as the plant becomes fully operational.
The pharmaceutical market in Africa is significant and growing, with recent estimates set at between US$8–$10bn.
Dr Tedros Adhanom, Foreign Affairs Minister of Ethiopia, said: ‘Julphar is a real showcase for other companies looking to invest into Ethiopia. From the start, this project fascinated me. Expansion of the facility was factored into the plans from the beginning and for that we are grateful.
‘We also commend Julphar for bringing international standards to their facility. We hope this facility will strengthen the relationship between our countries even further and hope this will bring future investment from the UAE.’
Julphar recognises that Ethiopia is an important market opportunity
HE Hailemariam Desalegn, Prime Minister of Ethiopia, added: ‘Ethiopia is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, with a growing population. It is important to have tremendous access to quality medicine. I would like to express my appreciation of this project and congratulate HH Sheikh Faisal bin Saqr Al Qasimi for the completion of this project. You can count on government support. Our doors are always open.’
Dr Ayman Sahli, Julphar's CEO, said: ‘Julphar recognises that Ethiopia is an extremely interesting, dynamic and important market opportunity. As business and commerce across the continent continue to grow along with an increasing population, the demand for quality, affordable healthcare is greater than ever.
‘Ethiopia's strategic position within Africa made it an obvious choice for Julphar when it was looking at opportunities to develop a real and tangible presence in this vast continent.’
Julphar has a diverse portfolio of products targeting major therapeutic segments, including cardiovascular, diabetes, gynaecology and other consumer products.