In a strategic move to bolster Egypt’s pharmaceutical self-sufficiency and increase its footprint in global markets, Dr. Olfat Ghorab, Chairperson and CEO of the Arab Company for Drug Industries and Medical Appliances (Acdima), presented a comprehensive plan for scaling up local pharmaceutical production and export operations during a high-level ministerial meeting held Sunday at the Ministry of Health and Population in New Alamein City.
The meeting was chaired by Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population, and was attended by Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning and Economic Development and International Cooperation, Dr. Ahmed Kouchouk, Minister of Finance, and senior advisors from across the government and legal sectors.
Leadership in Pharma: A Vision for Regional Competitiveness
Dr. Ghorab outlined Acdima’s strategic vision to expand its production capabilities in critical and high-value drug segments, including biologics and advanced therapeutics, while reinforcing Egypt’s position as a regional pharmaceutical hub serving the Middle East and Africa.
“Acdima is committed to supporting Egypt’s national strategy to localize pharmaceutical manufacturing,” said Dr. Ghorab during her presentation. “Our expansion roadmap is aligned with government directives to secure drug supply chains domestically, increase export competitiveness, and strengthen public health resilience.”
She detailed ongoing investments in state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, partnerships with international pharmaceutical firms for technology transfer, and long-term plans to scale production of essential medicines and biopharmaceuticals that meet both local and international quality standards.
National Strategy and Government Backing
The ministers in attendance commended Acdima’s contribution to national health security and industrial development. Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar highlighted the government’s keen interest in expanding domestic pharmaceutical production as a pillar of economic and social stability, especially in light of recent global supply chain disruptions.
“The Egyptian state places high strategic value on the pharmaceutical sector as both a health security imperative and an economic growth driver,” Dr. Abdel Ghaffar noted. “Acdima’s role is essential in achieving self-sufficiency and developing a competitive export model.”
Dr. Rania Al-Mashat reaffirmed the Ministry of Planning’s support for Acdima’s growth strategy, citing the alignment with Egypt’s Vision 2030 and sustainable development priorities. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Dr. Ahmed Kouchouk emphasized the importance of fiscal governance and capital efficiency in supporting industrial expansion.
Financial and Legal Oversight
The meeting also included a detailed review of Acdima’s financial performance, presented by Mr. Fetouh Salama, Financial Advisor to Acdima Holding, and a legal compliance update by Legal Advisor Ahmed Weshahi. This comes as part of a broader effort to ensure financial transparency and legal robustness in Acdima’s investment and partnership frameworks.
Joining virtually, legal and financial experts—including representatives from the Ministries of Finance, Justice, and Planning—underscored the importance of regulatory clarity and cross-ministerial coordination in supporting Acdima’s international expansion.
Strategic Outcomes and Forward Path
The meeting concluded with an affirmation of the state’s full support for Acdima as a national champion in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Discussions centered on:
- Opening new export markets, particularly in Africa and the Gulf
- Strengthening Egypt’s footprint in biologics and essential medicines
- Advancing international partnerships for drug innovation and production localization
- Scaling investments in pharma R&D and production infrastructure
As Egypt intensifies its efforts to become a self-reliant pharmaceutical producer, Dr. Olfat Ghorab’s leadership at Acdima continues to be central to this vision—balancing industrial innovation with national health needs and regional export opportunities.
