China to Build Africa’s First Insulin Plant in Nigeria

By Ademola Adekusibe
September 25, 2025

Abuja — China has announced plans to establish Africa’s first local insulin production facility in Nigeria, aimed at boosting healthcare access and reducing dependence on imports.

Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, disclosed this during an event in Abuja to mark China’s 76th National Day. He said the project would transform diabetes management in the country, lower costs, and position Nigeria as a hub for medical biotechnology on the continent.

The move follows the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between Nigeria’s National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) and China’s Shanghai Haiqi Industrial Company Ltd in Abuja.

Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, described the plant as a landmark step that will cut foreign exchange spending on insulin, create jobs, and build local capacity. The Director-General of NBRDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, added that technology transfer and skill development are central to the agreement.

Officials say the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” on self-reliance and healthcare innovation, though no completion timeline has yet been announced.