By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Aiming to reduce importation of medical supplies, Cameroon’s Prime Minister, Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute, has laid the foundation stone for a cutting-edge factory dedicated to producing essential medicines and medical devices.
The foundation stone was laid on October 3 in Meyo, located within the Yaoundé IV Municipality in the Center Region.
Accompanied by Qiu Jianyin, Chairman and CEO of Yicheng Pharmaceutical Group Fabrication Co. Ltd., and various diplomats and dignitaries, the Prime Minister on behalf of President Paul Biya stressed the critical need for a robust national pharmaceutical industry.
He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the country’s reliance on imported medical supplies, highlighting the urgency for local production capabilities.
“This future industry is poised to become a powerful engine for inclusive growth, driving the entire value chain from raw material production to the distribution of medicines and medical devices,” Dr. Ngute stated.
He affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting this initiative, which aims to enhance the quality of healthcare in Cameroon.
The Prime Minister also expressed openness to foreign investments, urging potential investors to consider opportunities within the country.
He however praised President Paul Biya’s efforts to advance national development, stressing action over rhetoric.
“He does not speak to seduce, but to build,” Chief Dr. Ngute remarked, reassuring citizens of the government’s dedication to sustainable development.
With over 90 percent of medicines consumed in Cameroon currently imported, Project Coordinator Idris Confiance Mbe identified the factory as a solution to supply shortages and high costs.
“This will reduce our pharmaceutical dependence and improve health coverage while positioning Cameroon as a key player in the sub-regional pharmaceutical market,” Mbe said.
The factory, which will span five hectares and cost an estimated FCFA 580 billion, will be built in three phases. The first phase, costing FCFA 30 billion, will focus on establishing the Yicheng factory from October 2025 to September 2027.
The second phase, running from 2027 to 2029, will involve constructing an ultra-modern hospital complex and expanding the Yicheng plant, with a budget of FCFA 250 billion.
The final phase, set for 2031 to 2035, will facilitate expansion into the CEMAC region and the development of a Research and Development (R&D) center at a cost of FCFA 300 billion.
The factory aims to produce a variety of essential medications, including antimalarials, antibiotics, and treatments for chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Annual production capacity is projected at 100 million bottles, 2 billion ampoules, and 10 billion tablets.
Upon completion, the project is expected to create over 1,000 direct jobs and more than 3,000 indirect jobs, significantly reducing the annual drug import bill and boosting exports within the CEMAC and ECOWAS regions.
Qiu Jianyin assured the government of Yicheng’s commitment to meeting deadlines, with the first products anticipated by 2027.
