A Nigerian delegation has visited Quality Chemical Industries Limited (QCIL) in Luzira, Kampala, to explore opportunities for expanding Uganda’s pharmaceutical exports into the Nigerian market as the two countries deepen trade and investment cooperation.
The delegation, led by Amb. Philip Odida, Chargé d’Affaires at the Nigerian High Commission in Uganda, and Amb. Misitura Abdulraheem, Chargé d’Affaires at the Nigerian High Commission, visited QCIL as part of the Uganda–Nigeria Business Forum and Exhibition.
The officials were received by QCIL Co-Founder and Director Frederick Mutebi Kitaka and Chief Executive Officer Ajay Kumar Pal, who briefed them on the company’s history, pharmaceutical manufacturing operations and its ambition to become a Pan-African pharmaceutical company.
The discussions focused on opportunities for QCIL to access the Nigerian market, with both sides calling for greater prioritisation of African markets and the promotion of the principle of “Africa for Africans.”
The Nigerian delegation also toured QCIL’s manufacturing facilities, where they observed various stages of the production process, including quarantine, basic analysis, material and product flow procedures, stability chambers and quality-control operations.
QCIL manufactures a range of medicines, including antiretroviral drugs for HIV treatment, Sikurea capsules for sickle cell disease, Lumartem and Lumet for malaria, as well as medicines for infections, allergies, hepatitis and hypertension.
The engagement comes as Uganda seeks to use science, technology and innovation to strengthen its Economic and Commercial Diplomacy programme by promoting locally manufactured products and opening new markets across the continent.
The visit was also used to highlight the potential for stronger cooperation between Uganda and Nigeria in health, pharmaceutical manufacturing, trade and investment.
Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation of Nigeria, planted a tree at the QCIL premises to commemorate the visit.
The tree was presented as a symbol of the growing partnership between Uganda and Nigeria and the two countries’ shared interest in strengthening economic ties through trade, investment, manufacturing and cooperation in the health sector.