The Tunisian pharmaceutical market is ranked 9th in Africa in 2025, according to the African Exponent ranking.
To assess the competitiveness level of African pharmaceutical markets, African Exponent has just published a ranking of the “Top 10 Most Competitive African Pharmaceutical Industries,” based on industrial, economic, and export data from 2024-2025, sourced notably from CEIC Data, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Bank databases.
The article emphasizes that Tunisia leverages decades of industrial experience to ensure a solid position in the continent’s pharmaceutical sector.
Data compiled by CEIC Data confirms stable export performance until 2024, based on a diversified and structured local formulation industry (chemicals, dosage forms, etc.), described as “more mature than that of many regional competitors.”
According to African Exponent, Tunisian companies benefit from facilitated access to technologies, technical partnerships, and certification systems compliant with European Union standards.
In terms of figures, the Tunisian pharmaceutical market was valued at $2.15 billion in 2023 (latest available year). Local production covers approximately 80% of national drug consumption, while exports reached 332.8 million dinars in 2022.
The country has more than 40 pharmaceutical laboratories, producing all common dosage forms, and exports to about 35 countries, including 24 in Africa.
In Africa, the total pharmaceutical market was estimated at approximately $27.65 billion in 2024, according to Grand View Research.
Projections indicate that this market could reach nearly $37 billion by 2033, driven by the increase in infectious and non-communicable diseases, urbanization, increasing life expectancy, and the growing demand for essential treatments.
South Africa dominates the continent with a market estimated at over $11 billion in 2024/2025. It benefits from a diverse production base, strong R&D capacity, and a regulatory system aligned with international standards.
Egypt ranks second, as one of the continent’s largest producers, thanks to a mature generics industry and high production volume. Morocco comes next, recognized as one of Africa’s most efficient pharmaceutical producers.
The Moroccan industry now includes around fifty industrial pharmaceutical establishments, several of which are subsidiaries of multinationals, providing a solid base for production and export.
Nigeria also figures in the top 5, with its pharmaceutical market estimated between $2.7 and $4 billion. Despite a high dependency on imports for certain raw materials, the country is gradually increasing its local production. The fifth place is occupied by Ethiopia.
Behind them, other countries like Kenya, Ghana, and Algeria are trying to reduce their dependency on imports and develop local drug production.
Finally, according to the ranking, following Tunisia it is Mauritius that closes the top 10. The country relies on specialized manufacturers, a stable regulatory framework, and industrial incentives to establish a niche pharmaceutical presence focused on quality rather than mass.
