SPE Capital invests in Egypt’s Orchidia to expand ophthalmic drug production

A consortium led by private equity firm SPE Capital, alongside European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Proparco, and Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries, has completed an investment in Orchidia Pharmaceutical Industries, a leading ophthalmic drug manufacturer in Egypt and across the Middle East and Africa.

The investment, executed through SPE Capital’s Private Equity Fund III, aims to accelerate Orchidia’s regional growth while strengthening production of affordable eye-care medicines. The company, founded in 1993 by Ossama Abbas, produces nearly 100 registered ophthalmic products and exports to more than 20 countries.

Backing expansion in ophthalmic pharmaceuticals
Orchidia has built a strong reputation in ophthalmology through advanced manufacturing technologies, including Blow-Fill-Seal systems, which enable sterile production of eye medications. The company was also the first in Egypt to introduce single-dose ophthalmic units, a format widely used to improve safety and dosage accuracy.

The new investment will support Orchidia’s expansion strategy across Egypt and regional markets while strengthening manufacturing capabilities and product development.

Renewed partnership with founding family
The deal marks the second partnership between SPE Capital and the Abbas family. The private equity firm previously invested in Orchidia between 2013 and 2017, helping expand the company’s market position and export footprint.

Under the new agreement, the Abbas family will retain leadership of the company, ensuring operational continuity while benefiting from the financial backing and strategic support of international development finance institutions.

Supporting healthcare access and sector growth
The participation of EBRD, Proparco, and BIO highlights the transaction’s development impact, including job creation and improved access to essential medicines across the Middle East and Africa.

Orchidia currently operates a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Cairo and maintains a leading position in Egypt’s ophthalmic pharmaceutical market. With the new capital injection, the company aims to strengthen its presence across regional healthcare systems while scaling exports to additional international markets.

Founded in 2016, SPE Capital focuses on investing in high-growth African companies, leveraging local expertise and global governance standards to support business expansion and long-term value creation.