A British multinational pharmaceutical, GlaxoSmithKline, has listed East Africa as one of the places it considers putting up a production plant as part of its move to form innovative partnerships to transform medicines supply in the African continent.

The firm says it is looking to partner with several African countries including Rwanda and Uganda to develop domestic manufacturing capacity.

This move will see GlaxoSmithKline invest up to £100 million to expand its existing manufacturing capability in Nigeria and Kenya and build up to five new factories in Africa.

GlaxoSmithKline is currently reviewing locations in African countries.

Uganda Trade minister Amelia Kyambadde says Uganda is willing to host the pharmaceutical firm. GlaxoSmithKline intends to make locally relevant products such as antibiotics, as well as respiratory and HIV medicines.

Ends