The 2026 Pharmacy Expo has officially opened in Blantyre, bringing together key players in Malawi’s pharmaceutical industry to discuss ways of expanding local medicine manufacturing and strengthening the country’s healthcare system.
The expo has attracted pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors, healthcare professionals, regulators and investors, with discussions centred on increasing domestic production of medicines to reduce reliance on imports and improve access to essential drugs.
“The demand for medicine is high compared to supply. When there is a pandemic, it sometimes takes too long to import medicines because producing countries prioritize their own people. There is a need for investors to come and invest in Malawi,” said Mpute.
He said increasing local pharmaceutical production would not only improve the availability of medicines but also strengthen Malawi’s preparedness for health emergencies, create jobs and reduce the country’s dependence on imported drugs.
Mpute further appealed to both local and international investors to consider investing in pharmaceutical manufacturing, saying the sector presents significant opportunities for growth while contributing to national health security.
Chief Pharmacist at Malawi Pharmaceutical Distributors Limited, Prisca Francisco Nayope, said the Pharmacy Expo provides companies with an opportunity to showcase their pharmaceutical products while learning from other industry players.Cannabis Pharmaceutical Factory To Roll Out
“The expo gives us an opportunity to showcase the products we are selling and learn from other competitors on how they are performing in the market,” she said.
Nayope added that knowledge sharing and collaboration among pharmaceutical companies are essential for improving product quality, encouraging innovation and enhancing access to medicines across the country.
The 2026 Pharmacy Expo continues with exhibitions, panel discussions and networking sessions aimed at promoting innovation, investment and sustainable growth in Malawi’s pharmaceutical industry.
