HARARE – The inaugural Zimbabwe Pharmaceutical Industry Conference has officially kicked off at Rainbow Towers, Harare, bringing together key stakeholders from across the pharmaceutical value chain for the first time.
The 3-day conference, running from the 3rd to the 5th of September 2026, is jointly hosted by the Pharmaceutical Society of Zimbabwe (PSZ), the Community Pharmacists Association (CPA), the Pharmaceutical Wholesalers Association (PWA) and the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PMA) under the theme “Strengthening Zimbabwe’s Pharma Ecosystem for Resilience and Sustainability.”
The conference was opened with an address by Dr Lloyd Matowe who spoke on “Toward a Sustainable, Resilient Pharmaceutical Value Chain in Africa.”
Dr Matowe noted that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed Africa’s heavy reliance on external suppliers, leading to acute shortages of medicines, raw materials and diagnostics when global supply chains failed. He said border closures, export restrictions and donor-dependent health programs showed that such systems cannot provide lasting health security.
He argued that resilience must go beyond emergency stockpiles and requires African ownership, regional cooperation, diversified supply, effective regulation, sustainable financing, local manufacturing and data-driven decision-making.
Citing existing foundations like the African Medicines Agency, ZAZIBONA and pooled procurement initiatives, Dr Matowe said Africa should move from fragmented national systems to an integrated continental market built on coordinated regulation, strategic pooled procurement, competitive regional production and diversified investment.
“The ambition is not merely to endure the next crisis. It is to create a responsive pharmaceutical ecosystem that anticipates disruption, absorbs shocks and consistently delivers quality-assured medicines to every person who needs them.”
The four host associations also issued messages to delegates. While not addressing the conference directly, the leaders outlined priorities for the sector.
PSZ President Mrs Vimbai Mukakati highlighted the current strain on the industry.
“Over the last few years, our industry has been tested and stretched beyond what we ever thought possible… the struggle continues as supply chains are being disrupted, cost of manufacturing and procurement increasing, drug shortages are the order of the day, regulatory pressures and viability challenges.”
She added that access to quality, safe and affordable medicines “is not an option, but a necessity.”
PWA Chairperson Mr Norman Kugara emphasized collaboration.
“Through meaningful dialogue and collaboration, we can strengthen our collective ability to build a resilient and sustainable pharmaceutical ecosystem.”
He noted wholesalers’ role in maintaining quality in storage and transportation, ethical behavior and regulatory compliance.”
PMA Chairperson Mr Shepherd Mudzingwa called for investment in local production.
“As manufacturers, we remain committed to investing in local production, quality assurance, technology, skills development and innovation… We believe that a stronger pharmaceutical manufacturing sector will not only improve medicine security and health outcomes, but also create opportunities for industrialization, employment, investment and economic growth.”
CPA Chairperson Mr Patrick Munamba positioned community pharmacists at the center of care.
“As community pharmacists, we stand on the frontlines of healthcare, bridging the gap between pharmaceutical supply and patient care… I encourage you to actively engage in discussions, foster strategic partnerships and share insights that will elevate our standard of care across Zimbabwe.”
Organizers said the conference will shift focus “from being problem centred, to solution centred”. Over the three days, delegates will deliberate on building resilient local manufacturing, securing supply chains, de-risking investment, harmonizing with SADC and AfCFTA, leveraging digital tools for track-and-trace and pharmacovigilance, and ensuring pharmacy viability.
The event also features exhibitions where companies are showcasing products and building business links.
The host associations said they expect the conference to result in “practical partnerships and actionable commitments that will strengthen Zimbabwe’s pharmaceutical industry and build a more resilient and self-reliant health system.”
For more information visit: https://zimpharmaconference.com
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