Lusaka, 2 November 2026 — Jijia Medical Group and Zambia’s state-owned Industrial Development Corporation Limited (IDC) have formally signed the Joint Venture Agreement for the ZAMVAX Limited, vaccine manufacturing facility, marking the project’s another milestone.

With an estimated investment of approximately US$24 million, Phase 1 will establish an vaccine filling, finishing and packaging facility in the Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone. The facility is expected to commence production in 2027, with a planned annual capacity of up 20 million doses. The first phase will focus on building local fill-and-finish capabilities, with subsequent expansion envisaged into other human vaccines and veterinary vaccines.

The ZAMVAX project has received strong support from the governments of both China and Zambia. In October 2024, President Hakainde Hichilema and Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Mr. Han Jing witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for the project. The project is also a concrete step towards implementing the China–Africa Partnership Action for Health and Zambia’s Grow Zambia Agenda. Through local production, technology transfer and specialized workforce development, ZAMVAX will increase local value addition in pharmaceutical manufacturing and strengthen public health emergency preparedness. It will also reduce Zambia’s reliance on imported vaccines and support a stable vaccine supply across Africa.

Jijia Medical Group Deputy General Manager Mr. Su Yonglin said the partnership was more than an investment. “It is about supporting Zambia’s healthcare sector, creating opportunities, and improving health security across Africa,” he said, closing with the ZAMVAX slogan: “From Zambia, For Africa and Beyond.”

IDC Chief Executive Officer Mr. Cornwell Muleya said the project would strengthen Zambia’s ability to meet its vaccine needs while building long-term manufacturing capability.

“Our ambition is to make Zambia fully self-sufficient in meeting its vaccine needs, while building the capability to supply a broader range of vaccines for our children and our region,” Mr. Muleya said.

Jijia Medical Group will continue to work closely with IDC to advance project implementation and bring the shared vision for ZAMVAX to fruition.