The Industrial Development Corporation Limited (IDC) and Jijia International Medical Technology Co Ltd from Beijing, have signed a Joint Venture Agreement for the development of ZAMVAX Limited, marking an important milestone in Zambia’s efforts to strengthen health security…

The Industrial Development Corporation Limited (IDC) and Jijia International Medical Technology Co Ltd from Beijing, have signed a Joint Venture Agreement for the development of ZAMVAX Limited, marking an important milestone in Zambia’s efforts to strengthen health security through domestic vaccine manufacturing.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Lusaka, IDC Chief Executive Officer Cornwell Muleya disclosed the total investment project of approximately US$213 million, covering both phase one and phase two.

He explained the project’s first phase has an estimated investment requirement of US$24.13 million and will establish an oral cholera vaccine Fill-and-Finish facility within the Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone.

“This facility will enable vaccines to be filled, packaged and prepared locally for distribution to the domestic market and, subsequently, international markets,” he highlighted.

And Mr Muleya revealed that the facility is designed to have a production capacity of up to 20 million doses per annum, of which half of this production will be targeted at meeting Zambia’s domestic requirements, while the remaining half will be available for export.

He noted that under the joint venture, IDC will hold a 60 per cent shareholding and Jijia will hold 40 per cent.

“As you are aware, Zambia has continued to face various disease outbreaks over the years, particularly cholera. This is why today’s signing ceremony and the first phase of this project will focus on establishing local production of cholera vaccines,” he stated.

The CEO added that the project also envisages expansion into paediatric vaccines and animal vaccines, intended to improve vaccine availability and will be subject to product-specific feasibility assessments, financing and the necessary approvals.

Mr Muleya said the project was intended to strengthen Zambia’s ability to meet its vaccine needs while developing long-term manufacturing capability.

He reiterated that the initiative supports the Grow Zambia Agenda by promoting local production, specialised skills and greater domestic value addition.

“Its longer-term ambition is to serve Zambia’s needs while contributing to regional vaccine supply, subject to the relevant regulatory and market-access requirements,” he added.

Mr Muleya further indicated that the joint venture and signed agreement marked the beginning of the work to be undertaken over the next 12 months to establish vaccine production within the country.

Meanwhile, Jijia International Medical Technology General manager Su Yang Lin said the partnership was more than just an investment but about supporting Zambia’s healthcare sector, creating opportunities, and improving health security across Africa.

He stated that his company was ready to move forward with the next stage of the project and turn the plans into reality.

“We believe that by working together, trusting each other, and supporting one another, we can make this project a success,” he said.