IDC, CHINESE FIRM SIGN US$24.13 MILLION VACCINE MANUFACTURING DEAL

The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and Chinese medical technology company Jijia (Beijing) International Medical Technology have signed a Joint Venture Agreement to establish ZAMVAX Limited, a company expected to manufacture vaccines locally in Zambia.

The first phase of the project requires an estimated investment of US$24.13 million and will involve the establishment of an Oral Cholera Vaccine Fill-and-Finish facility at the Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone.

The facility is expected to have the capacity to produce up to 20 million doses annually.

Under the agreement, IDC will hold a 60 percent stake in the joint venture, while Jijia will own the remaining 40 percent.

IDC Chief Executive Officer Cornwell Muleya said the project is aimed at strengthening Zambia’s ability to meet its cholera vaccine requirements while developing long-term local manufacturing capacity.

Mr Muleya added that the initial phase will involve local filling, finishing, packaging and quality control using imported bulk vaccine antigen, with a subsequent phase expected to introduce local antigen production and full-scale manufacturing.

He said the project also has potential to expand into the production of paediatric and animal vaccines, subject to feasibility assessments, financing and regulatory approvals.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Jijia General Manager Su Yong Lin said the partnership goes beyond investment, as it seeks to support Zambia’s healthcare sector, create opportunities and improve health security across Africa.

Mr Lin said the two parties could make the project successful through cooperation, mutual trust and support, adding that Jijia was ready to move into the next stage of implementation.

He concluded by highlighting the ZAMVAX slogan, “From Zambia, For Africa and Beyond.”

The project is expected to create skilled employment and opportunities for local suppliers, while facilitating technology transfer and training for Zambian workers.

The partners will now focus on mobilizing financing, preparing the site, finalizing technical agreements, workforce development and securing regulatory approvals, with groundbreaking scheduled for the coming weeks.

The initiative supports Government’s Grow Zambia Agenda through local production, skills development, technology transfer and economic diversification.