Egypt as Africa’s Premier Biotech Manufacturing Hub: A Deep Dive
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Industries
Egypt is rapidly evolving into Africa’s foremost biotechnology manufacturing centre, driven by a potent mix of industrial breadth, supportive policies, and global partnerships. The country’s pharmaceutical industry, valued at approximately USD 56.6 billion and already Africa’s largest, aims to elevate exports by 39 % to USD 466.5 million by 2029. Backed by over 179 domestic manufacturing plants up from around 170 in 2022—and an impressive 91 % self-sufficiency rate in pharmaceutical production, Egypt is cementing itself as a regional powerhouse
A pivotal milestone came as Egypt and Morocco were selected to host the North Africa Regional Biomanufacturing Centre (RCCN), receiving endorsement from Africa CDC. This major development aligns with a broader continental ambition to create vaccine self-sufficiency and enhance health security Egypt’s regulatory authority (Egyptian Drug Authority) also earned WHO Maturity Level 3 status a first in Africa for both medicine and vaccine oversight—emphasising the confidence of international institutions in its governance.
Public-private synergy is evident through robust investment flows. Minapharm, Egypt’s leading biopharma firm, secured a €15 million loan from the African Development Bank to finance its new “XpandC” facility in the 10th of Ramadan industrial zone raising manufacturing capacity from 3 million to 7.65 million annual biosimilar doses, with export commitments to countries like Algeria and Nigeria. Additionally, Eli Lilly’s technology-transfer agreement with Egypt’s Eva Pharma ensures local manufacture of Olumiant an arthritis drug marking an expansion in Egypt’s domestically produced biologics and further integrating research and production capabilities
Moreover, Egypt is actively soliciting around USD 80 million in fresh investment to add 20 new production lines this year, targeting localization of critical treatments including oncology drugs and infant formula. Exports in Q1 2025 rose 25 % year-on-year to USD 205 million evidence of a maturing domestic market.
Opportunities for Investment and Collaboration
This expanding sector presents compelling openings for foreign and local investors alike. Egypt’s advanced regulatory standing, cost-effective production (up to 30 % cheaper than Europe), and strategic position—benefiting from the Suez Canal Economic Zone, free-trade collaborations, and access to nearly two billion Afro-MENA consumers—form an attractive backdrop
Key opportunities include:
- CDMO services: Partner with local firms to offer contract development and manufacturing for biosimilars and vaccines, leveraging Egypt’s skilled biotech workforce and industrial zones (e.g. the 10th of Ramadan area).
- Technology transfer ventures: Collaborations akin to Minapharm’s and Eva Pharma’s can be replicated in areas like mRNA platforms, recombinant proteins, and biotherapeutics.
- Specialised R&D laboratories: Targeting emerging disease therapies, precision diagnostics, and manufacturing innovation.
- Clustered industrial expansion: Establish operations in places like East Port Said, Suez, or Giza’s Engineering Square (e2), taking advantage of tax breaks, free zone incentives, and proximity to training hubs.
- Export-oriented manufacturing: With established infrastructure and export financing, Egypt is well positioned to build production for regional markets under AfCFTA and beyond.
By aligning with Egypt’s Vision 2030 and industrial automation ambitions, biotech investors can tap into a resilient, dynamic, and fast-growing ecosystem. As Egypt transitions from consumption to production and innovation, it offers a once-in-a-generation gateway for sustainable industrial development and impactful investment.
