President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah applauded the role of local pharmaceutical manufacturing in strengthening the healthcare system and reducing reliance on imported medicines.
Fabupharm is among the few local pharmaceutical manufacturers in Namibia and has gained increasing attention amid ongoing concerns over medicine shortages in state health facilities.
The company manufactures a range of medicines and healthcare products, including cough syrups, ointments, creams, vitamin supplements and tablets.
Its products are distributed to retailers across the country and supplied to the government's Central Medical Stores.
Touring the facility, President Nandi-Ndaitwah applauded the role of local pharmaceutical manufacturing in strengthening the healthcare system and reducing reliance on imported medicines.
"And being here, no Namibian would want to see a Namibian who does not have access to quality health. And that is why our government, under my leadership, is determined; we are committed to seeing how best all Namibians can have access to quality health services," said Nandi-Ndaitwah.
The President also linked healthcare to economic growth, saying national productivity goes beyond physical labour and includes innovation, research and intellectual contribution.
"When you are innovative, when you are using your brain, you are becoming productive. Because the end result, as we are seeing here, everything starts with research. And research, you are using your brain, and that is really wonderful to see. So health is very fundamental."
Fabupharm's journey began in 1989 when the Badenhorst family identified a critical gap for domestic pharmaceutical production in Namibia.
The company expanded its operations after independence and says its focus on producing quality medication remains central to its mission, as was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Founder and Managing Director at Fabupharm, Fanie Badenhorst Sr., said, 'During times of need like the global Covid-19 pandemic, we were honoured to deliver medicines and supplements, including MVA Immune Booster, Zinpharm CDZ and Azithromycin, to the Office of the President. We also supplied sanitary products to Hosea Kutako International Airport in support of safety measures during that period. These remain some of our proudest moments, reflecting our commitment to serving the people of Namibia when it mattered the most."
Fabupharm's Head of Production and Pharmacist, Richard ǂEiaseb, outlined several expansion projects currently underway.
These include a new oral liquids facility and purified water system completed in 2025, with further expansion of the oral liquids section, quality control laboratory upgrades and construction of a microbiology laboratory planned for 2026.
ǂEiaseb says local pharmaceutical manufacturing offers several advantages, including shorter lead times, a more reliable supply of essential medicines and stronger regulatory oversight compared to some imported medicines.
Fabupharm's expansion plans are also expected to place greater focus on creating skilled employment opportunities in the health and manufacturing sectors.