A GMP-standard manufacturing facility producing non-sterile essential medicines, including tablets, capsules, oral liquids, creams and ointments, within the proposed Pharmaceutical Park in the Mafeteng Special Economic Zone. The project is anchored by proposed long-term public-sector procurement of Essential Medicines List products and aims to expand into South African and wider SADC markets through regulatory approvals.
Project overview
Investment opportunity
The project offers an opportunity to establish Lesotho's first pharmaceutical manufacturing platform, reducing reliance on imported medicines while serving domestic and regional markets. The facility is expected to produce essential medicines for the public healthcare system and expand into South African and wider SADC markets through regulatory approvals. Total project investment is estimated at US$38.5 million, with opportunities for strategic investors, pharmaceutical manufacturers and financing partners to support project development and growth.
Investment types sought
Project status
Development stage
Structuring & preparation
Current status / progress to date
The project company has been established, a shareholders' agreement signed, and a feasibility study completed. A suitable manufacturing facility has been identified and valued. Priority activities include securing a strategic partner, finalising procurement and financing arrangements, and advancing technical, regulatory and Good Manufacturing Practice due diligence ahead of implementation.
Additional project information
- Lead agency
- Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC)
Expected impact
Jobs created / supported
The project is expected to create approximately 93 skilled direct jobs during initial operations and support an estimated 150-250 indirect jobs across packaging, logistics, distribution and related support services.
Economic & development benefits
- Establish Lesotho's first pharmaceutical manufacturing capability, reducing reliance on imported medicines and retaining value, skilled employment and foreign exchange within the country
- Develop technical skills, manufacturing expertise and supporting pharmaceutical supply chains
- Support regional exports and investment opportunities across SADC markets
- Anchor the development of the Mafeteng Pharmaceutical Park and strengthen the country's life sciences sector
Climate & resilience benefits
- Strengthen the resilience of medicine supply through domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing and reduced reliance on imported products
- Improve supply-chain resilience against cross-border disruptions and climate-related logistics challenges
- Reduce transport requirements associated with imported medicines and regional distribution networks
- Create opportunities to integrate energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy solutions into pharmaceutical production facilities
- Support the development of a more resilient and sustainable healthcare manufacturing sector
Contact
Contact team
For more information about this project, please contact the Commonwealth Investment Platform team.