Tunisia’s high-tech pharma business creates skilled jobs
By supporting successful businesses in Tunisia, the Bank is fostering sustainable and inclusive development.
Take the case of Sabra Gmati.
After leaving her children in care, Gmati goes to work each day at the MEDIS pharmaceutical laboratory in Nabeul in north-eastern Tunisia.
Known as one of the country’s premier craft, agricultural and tourist centres, Nabeul has a growing industrial potential, that MEDIS has tapped into with its latest unit, producing generic medicines.
The high-tech sector has created skilled jobs, particularly for women like Gmati.
“My paying job with MEDIS has given me freedom and dignity. I have dignity because I’m not asking for a handout and I’m not asking anything of anyone,” she explains. “If MEDIS or a business like it wasn’t in Nabeul, I’d be unemployed and I would stay at home.”
MEDIS, which launched its Nabeul operations in 1995, has been financed by the African Development Bank through the AfricaInvest capital development fund.
“That has let us develop our business, becoming the leading laboratory in Tunisia and one of the region’s largest employers,” said the General Director of MEDIS, Nabil Saadaoui. “That has given a new perspective to the region’s children.”
The laboratory has expanded rapidly in recent years, with the number of people employed jumping by 150% between 2005 and 2017. Its impact reaches beyond Nabeul.
The local production of medicines has reduced Tunisia’s dependence on imported pharmaceuticals. One beneficiary is Habib Tameur Hospital, one of the largest medical centres in the capital, Tunis.
“The advantage of having Tunisian laboratories is, first of all, access to products. Treatment costs are another advantage. Thirdly, these medicines are just as effective as imported ones,” says Maher Chtourou, department head at the Habib Tameur Hospital.
He adds: “I’m optimistic for the future of public health in Tunisia because there will be more laboratories working on medical research and innovation. This will contribute to the country’s development.”
The next step for MEDIS is to add value to its products. “MEDIS’ growth will happen through production …. especially in the areas of high tech and added value, and since 2017, we have inaugurated the new oncology and biosimilar unit,” says Nabil Saadaoui.
