Welcome Note from the Chairman of the Board of Directors

It is with great pride and excitement that I welcome you to the new and improved EPHARM website. As the Chairman of the Board of Directors, I am honoured to lead this esteemed pharmaceutical company as it embarks on an exciting new chapter in its storied history.
EPHARM has been a pioneer in the Ethiopian pharmaceutical industry for the past 60 years, and it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our employees that we have reached this momentous milestone. In 2014, the company was privatized and acquired medtech.et, one of my companies, a trusted name in the industry known for its "we care to cure" philosophy.
Our vision and unwavering commitment to EPHARM are evident in the remarkable changes that have taken place since the privatization. We have modernized our critical manufacturing equipment, automated essential processes, and remained steadfast in our commitment to quality, as reflected in our proud tagline, "Quality is our most important product."
One of EPHARM's greatest strengths has been its robust research and development capabilities, which are truly unmatched in the country. Our R&D team has been instrumental in driving innovation, developing new and improved products, and ensuring that we stay at the forefront of the industry.
But we are not content to rest on our laurels. As we speak, there is an exciting expansion project underway that will allow us to export 30% of our products to global markets. Furthermore, we are actively working towards WHO prequalification, which will open up new opportunities and solidify our reputation as a world-class manufacturer. And in a move that will strengthen our self-reliance, we are working to source more of our active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) from local sources, reducing our dependency on foreign exchange.
These are truly transformative times for EPHARM, and I am honoured to be leading this esteemed organization into the future. To our valued employees, partners, and stakeholders, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering dedication and support. Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, delivering the highest-quality pharmaceutical products and making a profound impact on the health and well-being of our communities.
Thank you for visiting our website, and I look forward to working with all of you to write the next chapter in the EPHARM story.
Sincerely,
Dr Mohammed Nuri, Chairman of BOD
Little About Us
Welcome to Ethiopian Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Sh. Co. (EPHARM), a pioneering force in Ethiopia's pharmaceutical manufacturing landscape. Founded in. June 1964, EPHARM has been at the forefront of producing high-quality pharmaceuticals for over fifty years.
Distinguished by diverse range of dosage forms, EPHARM stands apart from local pharmaceutical manufacturers. Our mantra, "Quality is our most important product," permeates every aspect of our operations, ensuring excellence in every product we produce.
EPHARM's manufacturing facilities are equipped with 10 production lines across four categories, giving the capability to produce over 150 different pharmaceutical products. Our diverse range of production capabilities includes.
S. No | Production line | Units | Capacity |
Beta-Lactam Penicillin | |||
1 | Hard Capsules | Capsule | 1 billion |
2 | Dry Powder for Oral Suspension | Bottle | 10 million |
3 | Tablet | Tablet | 300 million |
Penicillin (Injectables) | |||
1 | Sterile Powders for injection | Vial | 30 million |
Non-Penicillin (General line) |
|
| |
1 | Tablet | Tablet | 1.5 billion |
2 | Oral liquids | Bottle | 10 million |
3 | Hard Capsule | Capsule | 500 million |
4 | Ointment and Cream | Tube | 5 million |
5 | Oral Powders for Solution (ORS) | Sachet | 40 million |
6 | Large Volume Parenteral (IV Fluids) | Bag | 2 million |
7 | Small volume Parenteral (Ampoules) | Ampoule | 10 million |
OTHERS | |||
1 | Sanitizer and Disinfectant | Bottle | 5 million |
2 | Face Mask (Surgical) | sheet | 20 million |
Our Vision is to be one of Africa’s top three pharmaceutical companies by 2033
Fully equipped laboratories, and utilities capable of manufacturing various dosage forms, including capsules, tablets, vials, oral powders, syrups, ampoules, suspensions, large volume infusions, ointments and personal protectives, EPHARM ensures stringent quality control measures at every step of the production process.
At EPHARM, we are dedicated to incorporate state-of-the-art manufacturing technology and innovative production systems. Our relentless pursuit of excellence underscores our mission to continue addressing the critical health needs of the Ethiopian people
Brief History of EPHARM
1964
Ethiopian Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Sh. Co. (EPHARM) commenced operations in June 1964 as Ethiopian Drug Manufacturing Shack (EDMSC), following the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the British company Smith & Nephew Associated Companies Limited, SANACO (50%), and the Imperial Ethiopian Government (IEG). Despite initial enthusiasm, the company encountered significant losses within two years of operation and was temporarily closed for nine months.
1964
1967
In 1967, the Ethiopian government acquired a 50% share of the British company and recruited a new General Manager from Hungary. Under new leadership, EPHARM implemented reform measures, including the development of new formulations and manufacturing processes, with technical assistance from MEDIMPEX, Hungary. However, these efforts did not immediately reverse the company's financial challenges.
1970
Following an international bid for interested investors, the Imperial Government of Ethiopia entered into an agreement with TEV of Israel in 1970, with the former holding a 51% share. Rebranded as Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Manufacturing (EPHARM), the company recommenced operations in April 1970. With a renewed focus on quality and efficiency, EPHARM began producing approximately 130 pharmaceutical products, including tablets, syrups, ointments, injectable, and capsules, leading to a return to profitability.
1970
1975
EPHARM underwent nationalization on February 2, 1975, following the popular revolution that led to the overthrow of the imperial regime. The product range was streamlined from 130 to 80 basic drugs and later to 44. Notable achievements during this period included the establishment of an IV Fluid & ORS (Oral Rehydration Salt) plant with assistance from UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund). EPHARM was merged with the state-owned Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies Import and Distribution Corporation, operating as a branch of EPHARMECOR.
1994
Following the downfall of the socialist regime, EPHARM was re-established as an independent public enterprise under the direction of the Public Enterprises Supervising Authority on February 13, 1994. Transitioning into a Share Company, EPHARM continued its operations with increased productivity and profitability.
1994
2014
In September 2014, as part of the government's privatization program, MEDTECH Ethiopia medtech.et , EPHARM's major customer at the time, acquired the factory. Since then, EPHARM has undergone aggressive transformation aimed at elevating its competitiveness and capabilities to new heights.
Our Vision
To manufacture high quality, customer-focused, affordable, and research-based pharmaceutical products using modem technology to ensure sustainable profitability and maintain broad market share both nationally and globally.
Our Mission
We manufacture high quality, safe, effective, and affordable pharmaceuticals to create enduring value for our customers, stakeholders, partners and communities. We achieve this through the use of cutting-age technology, advanced research and innovation, and highly skilled and committed work force