The Federal Government, through the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Empower School of Health, Geneva (Empower Swiss), to establish a Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Training Academy in Nigeria.
The strategic partnership is designed to address workforce gaps in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector and support the national objective of producing 70 per cent of the country’s pharmaceuticals by 2030 and 60 per cent of its vaccines by 2040, in alignment with the Africa Centres for Disease Control’s vision.
Launched in October 2023 under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the PVAC initiative aims to transform Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem through significant investment and private sector participation.
It is focused on strengthening local manufacturing capacity in life sciences and healthcare services.
According to a post on PVAC’s official social media account, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, emphasised the importance of building human capital during the signing event.
‘Whatever it is you need to manufacture, you also need the talent—and the right talent’, he said.
The post highlighted that although Nigeria produces a substantial number of graduates, many lack practical, hands-on industry experience due to limited local manufacturing opportunities.
Empower Swiss, recognised globally for its pharmaceutical training expertise across more than 40 countries, will lead the development of a phased, sustainable, and industry-aligned training programme.
The initiative is expected to equip Nigerian youth with relevant skills, promote local drug production, and enhance both the healthcare system and the economy.
In December 2024, Prof. Pate disclosed that over 70 new healthcare manufacturing companies with viable projects are preparing to implement 22 large-scale initiatives in Nigeria.
He also noted the establishment of more than 10 healthcare value chain verticals, reinforcing the government’s commitment to shifting from a consumption-driven health sector to one that generates employment and economic value.
Pate further revealed that the PVAC has inspired collaboration among five development finance institutions to create dedicated funding platforms aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s healthcare potential.
