By John Chola

In a major boost to Zambia’s healthcare and pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, the government has signed a groundbreaking Joint Venture (JV) agreement with India’s pharmaceutical heavyweight, Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Limited, to establish a state-of-the-art drug manufacturing plant in Zambia.

The deal, which was finalized on Thursday, marks a significant milestone as Zambia takes a bold step towards local production of essential medicines.
Once operational, the plant will produce nearly 150 different pharmaceutical products, dramatically reducing the country’s reliance on imported drugs.

“This partnership with Akums is a game-changer,” said Dr. Siazongo Siakalenge, Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet – Finance and Economic Development, who led the high-level Zambian delegation to India. “Akums is bringing to Zambia its first manufacturing facility outside India—its 14th globally—and that speaks volumes about their confidence in our country and our vision.”

Bennie Mundando, First Secretary (Press & Tourism) at the Zambia High Commission in India says the delegation also included Ministry of Justice Permanent Secretary (Legal) Ms. Mwenya Bwalya, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary (Technical Services) Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, Zambia Development Agency Director General Mr. Albert Halwampa, and ZAMMSA Acting Director General Dr. John Kachimba.

A groundbreaking ceremony, expected to be officiated by President Hakainde Hichilema, is scheduled for September this year.

Dr. Siakalenge emphasized that the plant would ensure a steady and secure supply of medicines for Zambians:

“With Akums’ entry, Zambia is set to become self-sufficient in the production of quality and affordable medicines. It’s a vision we’ve been pursuing for the past two years—and now it’s a reality.”
Akums, which currently supplies medicines to over 60 countries and employs more than 15,000 people, hailed the agreement as a strategic milestone.

“This facility in Zambia will be our first outside India,” said Mr. Ashok Saroha, President – International Business at Akums. “We’re committed to making Zambia self-reliant in essential medicines. This project goes beyond commerce—it’s about healthcare sovereignty.”

Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, who signed the agreement on behalf of the Zambian government, said the JV was not just a breakthrough but a transformative moment for the nation’s health sector.
“This is a significant step in ensuring that affordable, high-quality medicines are readily available to Zambians. It’s a new era in our healthcare delivery,” Dr. Lishimpi said.

The Zambia Development Agency and the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency have been tasked with facilitating the regulatory and logistical processes leading up to the plant’s construction and operation.