Arusha, Tanzania, The Government of Tanzania has directed the Tanzania Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (TPI) to commence the local production of Antiretroviral Drugs (ARVs) by June 2026, a move aimed at reducing the country’s heavy reliance on imported medicines.
The directive was issued by the Minister for Health, Hon. Mohamed Mchengerwa, during an official inspection tour of the TPI factory located in Njiro, Arusha, on January 27, 2025. The factory, once a key pillar in Tanzania’s pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, has been dormant since 2013.
Reducing Dependence on Imported Medicines
Speaking during the visit, Minister Mchengerwa emphasized that Tanzania currently imports over 90 percent of its medicines, a situation he described as a major obstacle to sustainable development and healthcare security.
“The local production of ARVs is not optional; it is a national priority,” said the Minister. “We must reduce dependency on foreign supplies and strengthen our domestic pharmaceutical capacity.”
According to the Minister, the TPI plant has the capacity to produce up to 1.7 million units of medicine within 10 hours, making it well-positioned to meet both domestic demand and future regional needs once operations resume.
Allegations of Past Sabotage
Minister Mchengerwa revealed that the factory’s prolonged shutdown was not due to technical incapacity, but rather the actions of individuals driven by personal interests at the expense of national development.
“The factory stopped production because it was deliberately obstructed by people who did not have the country’s best interests at heart,” he said. “That era is over.”
He issued a stern warning to any individual or institution that may attempt to derail the revival process, stating that such actions would be treated as acts against national development.
“I will not tolerate anyone who attempts to delay or sabotage this process,” he stressed.
Government Commits Sh20 Billion for Revival
To ensure production begins as scheduled, the Minister directed the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health to allocate TZS 20 billion for the immediate initiation of pharmaceutical manufacturing activities.
“These funds must be released without delay so that ARV production begins by June 2026,” he said. “We cannot afford setbacks.”
The funding will be used to procure raw materials, rehabilitate production lines, meet regulatory requirements, and ensure compliance with international pharmaceutical manufacturing standards.
Strategic Importance of ARV Production
Local production of ARVs is expected to significantly improve Tanzania’s HIV/AIDS response by ensuring consistent availability, lowering procurement costs, and improving supply chain resilience.
Health experts note that domestic manufacturing will also protect the country from global supply disruptions and fluctuating international prices, while creating employment opportunities and boosting industrial growth.
Background of TPI
Tanzania Pharmaceutical Industries Limited was established in the early 1980s as part of the government’s industrialization drive. The factory underwent major rehabilitation in 2013, but despite the upgrades, production stalled shortly thereafter due to operational and administrative challenges.
The latest government directive marks the most decisive step yet toward restoring TPI as a strategic national asset.
Looking Ahead
With firm political backing, financial commitment, and a clear timeline, stakeholders believe the revival of TPI could transform Tanzania’s pharmaceutical landscape.
If implemented as planned, the initiative will not only secure lifesaving ARVs for Tanzanians but also position the country as a regional hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing in East Africa.
📌 Further Reading & Government Sources
🔗 Tanzania to start full-scale local production of ARVs (The Guardian) — coverage on government plans to resume ARV production at TPI and strengthen the healthcare system. Tanzania to start full‑scale local production of ARVs – The Guardian (IPP Media)
🔗 Tanzania seeks self-sufficiency with local manufacture of ARVs (The Citizen) — analysis of broader pharmaceutical policy and budget allocations supporting local drug production. Tanzania seeks self‑sufficiency with local manufacture of ARVs – The Citizen
🔗 Govt moves to revive ARVs production as Health PS inspects TPI plant (MOH Tanzania) — official Ministry of Health news on inspection and readiness of TPI. Health Ministry inspects TPI ARV production readiness – Ministry of Health TZ
🔗 New strategy targets local drug production to reduce imports (The Citizen) — deeper look at national strategy to expand local pharmaceutical manufacturing, including TPI revival context. New strategy targets local drug production to reduce imports – The Citizen