{"id":36343,"date":"2026-03-07T17:15:43","date_gmt":"2026-03-07T17:15:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.globalafricanetwork.com\/?p=36343"},"modified":"2026-03-10T13:21:17","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T13:21:17","slug":"or-tambo-sezs-bold-plans-for-a-globally-competitive-pharma-and-medical-manufacturing-cluster","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.globalafricanetwork.com\/featured\/or-tambo-sezs-bold-plans-for-a-globally-competitive-pharma-and-medical-manufacturing-cluster\/","title":{"rendered":"Investment opportunities available in medical manufacturing cluster"},"content":{"rendered":"

A<\/span>frica is the world\u2019s second most populated continent, accounting for just under 18% of the global population. Despite this, the continent is accountable for at least 25% of the world\u2019s disease burden.<\/p>\n

With more than its fair share of diseases, the World Economic Forum estimates that the total demand for packaged medicines in Africa is around $18-billion per year. Interestingly, 61% of that is serviced through imported products, with only 36% being locally produced. Of the 36%, 40% of the production capabilities are confined to packaging and labelling with the remaining 40% limited to filling and finishing (Who Owns Whom<\/em>, 2023).<\/p>\n

For Africa to effectively service the medical requirements of its 1.4 billion people, countries on the continent acknowledge the need to enhance their pharmaceutical and medical production capabilities.<\/p>\n

In recognition of this, the OR Tambo International Airport SEZ<\/a> has designed and is in the process of developing, a globally competitive medical manufacturing cluster that will enhance the production and export of medical products from South Africa.<\/p>\n

OR Tambo SEZ\u2019s bold ambitions<\/h4>\n

Comprising 265 000m\u00b2 of developable space, the OR Tambo SEZ Precinct 2 development is well positioned to support the production and export of time-sensitive products such as medicines.<\/p>\n

Located on the doorstep of OR Tambo International Airport, the SEZ is an ideal location for the production and export of high-value, light-weight products that utilise air freight as a mode of transport.<\/p>\n

In support of its competitive value proposition, the OR Tambo SEZ completed industry-specific research that identified different elements essential for the establishment of a globally competitive medical manufacturing cluster. The result of this research is a bold plan, that aims to secure international as well as continental buy-in, thereby ensuring that the cluster is well positioned to support the manufacturing of different elements that form part of the broader pharmaceutical and medical product value chain in Africa.<\/p>\n

Competitization of the OR Tambo SEZ pharma and medical cluster<\/h4>\n

The cluster-based approach is globally acknowledged as an effective approach to enhance economic growth and development.<\/p>\n

For it to be competitive, any cluster must pursue and ensure the existence of linkages between different elements that form part of the production process; these include basic inputs, manufacturers, role players that approve the products for consumption, and those that move the goods to market. Equally important are the research, development and innovation institutions.<\/p>\n

The OR Tambo SEZ\u2019s planned pharma and medical manufacturing precinct will have all the above inclusive of a variety of medical production processes such as pharmaceutical mixing, medical device component manufacturing, sub-assembling, labelling and packaging, warehousing and storage, training, standard testing, patent compliance and regulatory approval institutions.<\/p>\n

Through this approach, the SEZ, which already boasts a competitive location, is destined to become a world class pharma and medical products manufacturing destination.<\/p>\n

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The OR Tambo SEZ\u2019s planned pharma and medical manufacturing precinct will have all the above inclusive of a variety of medical production processes…<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Available Incentives<\/h4>\n

As a designated Special Economic Zone, the OR Tambo SEZ will also provide manufacturers looking to set up operations with the opportunity to access incentives that reduce the cost of production.<\/strong> This is particularly key, given that manufacturing costs remain a major impediment in the enhancement of manufacturing in Africa.<\/p>\n

Available incentives include duty-free importation of production-related materials and assets, as well as VAT exemption on export.<\/p>\n

OR Tambo SEZ: The competitive choice<\/h4>\n

Underpinned by factors such as a skilled labour force, South Africa has long been a location of choice for multi-nationals looking to locate in Africa. The country also has an established supply chain to foster medical manufacturing expansion.<\/p>\n

All the above, coupled with the Gauteng City Region\u2019s competitive positioning serving as a gateway to sub-Saharan Africa, make the OR Tambo SEZ an ideal location for the production, export and trade of pharmaceutical and medical products within Africa.<\/p>\n

Contact<\/h4>\n

Interested parties are encouraged to contact the OR Tambo SEZ investment facilitation team with your details:<\/p>\n\n

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