Egypt’s Gypto Pharma has signed a strategic partnership with Djibouti-based Bacha Business Group to expand exports of Egyptian-made medicines across East Africa and the Horn of Africa, reinforcing regional pharmaceutical supply chains as demand for locally produced healthcare products continues to rise.

The memorandum of understanding was signed during an official visit by a high-level Djiboutian delegation led by Hibo Bacha, marking a new phase of healthcare and trade cooperation between Egypt and Djibouti. The agreement aims to improve access to high-quality medicines, strengthen pharmaceutical security, and deepen commercial ties across East Africa.

Djibouti to serve as regional pharmaceutical gateway

During the visit, Gypto Pharma presented its integrated manufacturing complex, highlighting advanced production technologies and compliance with internationally recognized Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards that support exports to regional and international markets.

The companies identified Djibouti as a strategic logistics hub linking African, Arab and global markets. Leveraging the country’s port infrastructure is expected to accelerate the distribution of Egyptian pharmaceutical products throughout the Horn of Africa and member states of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

The agreement also aligns with Egypt’s broader strategy of expanding industrial partnerships across Africa while supporting healthcare access, regional trade and economic integration.

Companies target rising healthcare demand

Amr Mamdouh, Chairperson and Managing Director of Gypto Pharma City, described the partnership as a significant step toward strengthening Egyptian-African cooperation in pharmaceutical manufacturing and expanding the company’s footprint across fast-growing African markets.

Hibo Bacha said Gypto Pharma’s modern production capabilities, international quality standards and advanced technology position the company as a reliable supplier capable of meeting Africa’s growing demand for quality medicines.

Gypto Pharma, also known as Egyptian Medicine City, is one of the Middle East and Africa’s largest pharmaceutical manufacturing hubs.

Located in Al-Khanka, Qalyubia Governorate, the 180,000-square-meter complex was inaugurated in 2021 to enhance Egypt’s drug security, reduce dependence on imports, curb monopolistic practices and manufacture affordable, high-quality medicines for domestic and export markets.

Bacha Business Group, a diversified family-owned enterprise headquartered in Djibouti, was founded and is led by Hibo Bacha, who also serves as Vice Chairperson of the Egyptian-Djiboutian Business Council and President of the Djiboutian Businesswomen Association.

The group operates six companies spanning retail, services and commercial businesses and consolidated its operations under the Bacha Business Group brand in 2022 to support regional expansion and improve operational efficiency.

The partnership positions both companies to capitalize on growing pharmaceutical demand in East Africa while advancing Egypt’s ambition to become one of Africa’s leading exporters of medicines, supported by stronger regional supply chains and cross-border healthcare collaboration.