South Africa Pharma industry risk review

The South African office of Coface, an international credit insurer, released its latest industry risk review covering the country’s Pharmaceuticals sector last week. The pharmaceutical industry is the largest of its kind in Africa, and has been identified by government as a key driver of economic growth, ensuring affordable healthcare is available to the private and public health sector.

While the industry remains dominated by local companies, a number of multinationals distribute and some have become involved in local manufacturing. South Africa has a relatively well-developed industry, comprising a complex network of manufacturers, distributors and dispensers. Domestic companies produce, almost exclusively, generic pharmaceuticals, which are mainly targeted at the local market.

Very little exported