Apex Biotech will manufacture antibiotics which are commonly used to treat diseases caused by bacteria, painkillers, anti-malaria tablets, tuberculosis medicines and antiretroviral drugs. The plant is located in Kigali Special Economic Zone.

It is expected that during its first year, Apex Biotech Ltd will provide job opportunities to 100 Rwandan citizens who will also be trained and be acquainted with pharmaceutical industry operations.

When construction works for the pharmaceutical industry started, former Minister of Health, Dr. Diane Gashumba told IGIHE that 90% of pharmaceutical drugs used in Rwanda are imported and that Apex Biotech will contribute to bridging the cost gap which comes with imported drugs.

“Drugs will be manufactured from inside the country and the price will significantly reduce. Rwanda FDA will be supervising all activities conducted in the manufacturing process to ensure only quality drugs are put on the market. Another benefit is that the plant will avail employment opportunities to many people and drugs will be available with no added cost for transport.”

“We spend more than Rwf 30 billion to purchase, transport and store drugs in a year. The purchase only takes up to Rwf 25 billion. If we could have more pharmaceutical industries, it would be a great addition.”

Apex Biotech abides by measures of international regulatory bodies and promises the manufacture of quality drugs which meet international standards.

Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has announced it has granted license to Apex Biotech Ltd to manufacture pharmaceutical drugs.