Senegal, which currently imports 95% of its medicines, is embarking on an ambitious initiative to strengthen its local production. The Minister of Industry and Commerce, Sérigne Guèye Diop, revealed this January 12, 2025, during his appearance on the Point de vue program on RTS, that the first stone of the industrial zone exclusively dedicated to pharmacy will be asked in a month. Which will mark the start of the implementation of 20 pharmaceutical projects in the city of Touba.
This initiative, according to Dr Sérigne Guèye Diop, aims to reduce Senegal’s dependence on massive imports of medicines. This constitutes a major challenge for the health sector and the national economy. Indeed, although Senegal has a growing pharmaceutical market, the importation of medicines remains a constraint, particularly in times of health crisis, when supplies can be disrupted.
By developing this specialized industrial zone in Touba, “the Senegalese State intends not only to secure the supply of medicines for the population, but also to stimulate employment and encourage local investments in the pharmaceutical sector”, said the former mayor of Sandara.
Senegal
