CAIRO — Pharco Pharmaceuticals is set to ramp up investments and expand its regional footprint, as the company accelerates efforts to boost production capacity and exports across key international markets, according to statements by Chairperson Sherine Helmy.
The company plans to invest approximately EGP 1.5 billion in 2026, up from around EGP 1.15 billion in 2025, reflecting a strategic push to enhance manufacturing capabilities and strengthen its competitive positioning. This follows targeted spending in the current year, including EGP 650 million allocated to upgrading production facilities and a further EGP 500 million directed toward establishing a new eye-drop manufacturing line aimed at expanding export volumes.
In parallel, Pharco is advancing a major regional expansion project in Saudi Arabia, where it is developing a pharmaceutical plant west of Medina with investments estimated at $150 million. The facility—spanning approximately 62,000 square metres—is being financed partly by the Saudi Industrial Development Fund and implemented in partnership with Ashmore Investment. Production is expected to commence in early 2028, with output primarily targeting Gulf markets.
Saudi Arabia already represents a key export destination for Pharco, accounting for roughly 50% of its overseas sales, which currently reach more than 50 countries. The company’s regional presence is further reinforced by its 30% stake in Batterjee Pharma, supporting deeper integration into Gulf healthcare markets.
Looking ahead, Pharco is also positioning itself to capitalise on growth opportunities in Africa, particularly in light of upcoming changes under the World Trade Organization framework on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). The expected expiry in 2033 of exemptions granted to least developed countries could reshape the pharmaceutical landscape, influencing access to generic medicines and opening new market dynamics for producers.
As The Middle East Observer notes, Pharco’s expansion strategy reflects a broader trend among regional pharmaceutical firms seeking to scale production, diversify export markets, and align with evolving global regulatory frameworks. The company’s dual focus on capacity expansion and geographic diversification positions it to capture growth across the Middle East and Africa in the coming decade.
