There are approximately 7 pharmaceuticals manufacturing companies in Zambia, most of which are engaged in the manufacturing of basic pharmaceutical formulations. As a result ca 5% of the essential drugs are manufactured locally, mostly generic pharmaceuticals. Approximately 50 trading companies import 95% of the consumption. Most of the essential drugs, approximately 80%, are imported from India. However, Chinese former suppliers to the Chinese state have recently started to provide a competitive alternative leading to fierce competition in the generic market in Zambia.

Branded pharmaceuticals are typically supplied by international manufacturers acting through subsidiaries and local distributors.

In respect of the market for health care equipment, it is worth mentioning one competitor as it has a certain grip on the market. Royal Philips Electronics along with local partner Specialised Systems Ltd has been able to secure a maintenance type contract with the MoH since 2010, a contract to cover the upgrade and maintenance of equipment in 71 Government hospitals nationwide. The contractual partnership means that Philips is executing a five-year Customer Support Agreement at a value of approximately EUR 25 million. The contract covers imaging, patient monitoring, operating theater, dental, and laboratory equipment. In continuation, the Customer Support Agreement maintains focus also on developing local capacity. Philips has also been working with the MoH on healthcare workforce development since early 2003 as well as on programmes for capacity building in mother and child health care.

Siemens is another global supplier considered to have a good presence in Zambia, along with GE Healthcare, Roche Diagnostics, Aloka Hitachi and Medison Co Ltd[1].

[1] Gustaf Engstrand, Report on the Health Care Sector and Business Opportunities in Zambia, p.72.