Mohamed El-Shimy, Minister of Public Enterprises, and Ali El-Ghamrawy, Chairperson of the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA), conducted an extensive field visit to key subsidiaries of the Holding Company for Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals, and Medical Supplies. The tour included Arabian Drug Company (ADCO), Memphis Pharmaceuticals, and Nile Pharmaceuticals, focusing on facility upgrades designed to enhance production capacity, global competitiveness, and compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.
This initiative is a key pillar of the government’s strategy to modernize Egypt’s pharmaceutical sector, strengthen national drug security, and position state-owned firms as leaders in both domestic and international markets.
El-Shimy reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to upgrading production lines, integrating advanced technology, and optimizing resources to improve efficiency. These efforts support Egypt’s industrial localization agenda, ensuring high-quality, affordable medicines remain accessible while boosting export potential. The ministry is also intensifying collaboration with the EDA to ensure all state-owned pharmaceutical firms meet GMP requirements, reinforcing Egypt’s reputation as a hub for high-quality pharmaceutical production.
Expanding Global Reach and Strengthening Human Capital
A major goal of the modernization push is to expand the presence of Egyptian pharmaceutical companies across Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. El-Ghamrawy highlighted the importance of upgrading infrastructure and regulatory frameworks to attract investment and foster innovation.
The ministry is also prioritizing human capital development by investing in workforce training and skills enhancement. Improved working conditions, motivation, and technical expertise will sustain long-term industry growth and competitiveness.
State-Owned Companies Driving Growth
ADCO, established in 1964, recently invested over EGP 600 million in facility upgrades, operating 13 production lines. The company exports to multiple Arab and African countries, including Sudan, Iraq, Yemen, the UAE, Libya, Senegal, Nigeria, Mali, and Zimbabwe. Between July 2024 and February 2025, ADCO recorded EGP 777 million in sales, marking a 39% year-on-year increase, while profits reached EGP 103 million.
Memphis Pharmaceuticals, one of the oldest pharmaceutical firms in the Middle East, was established in 1940 and operates 15 production lines across various pharmaceutical forms. Recent GMP-compliant modernization efforts have fueled a 223% surge in profits and an 83% increase in revenues during the first half of the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The company exports to Gulf countries, Africa, and Eastern Europe, solidifying its position as a regional leader.
A Future-Ready Pharmaceutical Sector
As Egypt continues modernizing its pharmaceutical sector, these initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to enhancing production capabilities, increasing exports, and ensuring affordable, high-quality medicines remain widely available. By investing in infrastructure, innovation, and human capital, Egypt is strengthening its pharmaceutical industry for long-term sustainability and global competitiveness.