Libya's annual medicine import bill has risen sharply to an estimated $4-5 billion in 2024, compared to $3 billion last year, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Ramadan Abu Janah.
Speaking to Al Arabiya Business at a conference hosted by Egyptian pharmaceutical firm Eva Pharma, Abu Janah highlighted Libya's growing reliance on imported medicines to meet domestic demand, including treatments for cancer. The expansion, he said, comes as many local pharmaceutical factories remain underutilized due to years of political and economic instability.
To address this, Libya is strengthening ties with Egypt, a major supplier of pharmaceutical products. Efforts are underway to register Egyptian-made drugs with Libya’s Ministry of Health to streamline future imports. Abu Janah also extended an invitation for Egyptian pharmaceutical companies to establish manufacturing facilities in Libya, furthering bilateral cooperation.
Libya is also exploring joint ventures with Egypt to export pharmaceuticals to West African markets. "Egypt’s progress in localizing its pharmaceutical industry is crucial for the Arab world and Africa, especially after COVID-19 exposed the need for self-sufficient supply chains," Abu Janah added.
Beyond pharmaceuticals, Libya is actively recruiting Egyptian doctors to work in its healthcare system and encouraging Egyptian construction firms to participate in major infrastructure projects.
