Brazzaville, 2026 – Driven by President Denis Sassou-N’Guesso, the Republic of Congo has launched an ambitious program to develop its own pharmaceutical industry and reduce its dependence on imported medicines. This strategic plan, named the Congo Medicines Initiative (IMEC), aims to produce 50% of essential medicines locally by 2030.
The project is structured around three main pillars. First, the construction of a National Pharmaceutical Hub in Kintele, near Brazzaville, which will house generic drug production units, a research center for traditional medicines, and a packaging plant. Second, the training of 300 pharmacists, engineers, and specialized technicians through partnerships with universities in India, Morocco, and Belgium. Third, the creation of a Medicinal Plant Bank to capitalize on Congolese biodiversity and develop remedies based on natural substances.
The president emphasized the importance of this initiative for national sovereignty: “A country that cannot produce its own essential medicines remains vulnerable. IMEC is not just an economic project; it is a public health project and a matter of national dignity.”
The funding comes from a mix of public funds, private investment, and a partnership with the African Development Bank. Indian and Brazilian companies have already expressed interest in joint ventures.
In the longer term, Congo aims to become a regional hub for vaccine production, with the ambition of building a tropical virology research center by 2028.