Siemens enters into historic pharmaceutical manufacturing deal with MiKO Pharma in Ghana
Siemens, the trusted global technology leader, has signed a landmark agreement with MiKO Pharma to develop state-of-the-art facilities for the local production of life-saving generic pharmaceuticals in Ghana.
This deal, one of the largest in Ghanaian pharmaceutical history, was finalised at the prestigious Hannover Messe trade show in Germany.
Siemens will be responsible for developing industrial applications, buildings, infrastructure and utilities for MiKO Pharma’s operations in eastern Ghana, adhering to stringent World Health Organization standards.
“Our goal is to enable the manufacture of safe pharmaceutical drugs in Africa. This partnership with MiKO Pharma represents a significant step toward achieving that goal,” says Sabine Dall’Omo, CEO: Siemens Sub-Saharan Africa. “By leveraging our cutting-edge technology and unparalleled expertise, we aim to create a sustainable and self-sufficient pharmaceutical industry in Ghana. We are honoured to support our partners in this transformative journey.”
According to Dr Michael Obeng, a Harvard-trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, as well as CEO and founder of MiKO Pharma: “MiKO Pharma plans to create 130 jobs in the manufacturing of affordable and effective superior quality medications for the treatment of various ailments including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, HIV, malaria and pain in Ghana. This initiative will significantly enhance healthcare accessibility in the region.”
Willard Jackson, executive director for MiKO Pharma, comments: “Being in Germany to sign this historic agreement with Siemens was a moment of immense pride for our team at MiKO Pharma. This partnership is not just about building facilities; it’s about transforming healthcare in Ghana and setting a new standard for pharmaceutical production in Africa.
“With Siemens’ expertise, we are confident these state-of-the-art facilities will deliver affordable, high-quality medications to those who need them most, while also creating meaningful employment opportunities. This is a pivotal step toward our vision of a self-reliant and thriving pharmaceutical sector in Ghana.”
This historic agreement between Siemens and MiKO Pharma marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s pharmaceutical industry, promising substantial economic growth and improved healthcare accessibility. By leveraging world-class technology and expertise, this partnership aims to empower local production and create a sustainable future for pharmaceutical manufacturing in Ghana.
Overview of the pharmaceutical industry in Ghana
Currently, 30% of pharmaceutical demand in Ghana is met by locally produced products.
The Ghana Food and Drugs Authority recorded 36 pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities with active licences and over 3 500 pharmaceutical shops by 2023.
The pharmaceutical industry is a growing contributor to the Ghanaian economy, accounting for 0.8% of gross domestic product and 21.8% of total healthcare expenditure in 2023.
Research by Deloitte Ghana indicates that pharmaceutical sales in Ghana reached GHS6.6 billion (US$571 million) in 2023 and are forecasted to grow to GH₵10.7 billion (US$735 million) by 2028, driven by increased consumption within the generic medicines sub-sector. Statista projects the pharmaceutical market in Ghana will achieve a revenue of US$254.88 million in 2025.
The Siemens–MiKO Pharma deal has the potential to significantly boost the local pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, surpassing previous economic forecasts.
