Russia is expanding its influence in Africa in the pharmaceutical sector, as Morocco imported $17.22 million worth of medicines in 2022, according to data from Trading Economics.
Russia continues to expand in the pharmaceutical sector across the African continent, including in Morocco, where it is strengthening its presence.
Recent data from the Interfax news agency shows that Russia will export more than $72 million worth of pharmaceutical products to several African countries in 2023, including Morocco and Algeria.
Yekaterina Priyezheva, Russia’s deputy minister of industry and trade, said Russia’s pharmaceutical industry is not only meeting domestic needs, but also experiencing significant growth internationally.
“Our manufacturers supply their products to more than 150 countries, and we are ready to strengthen this cooperation with our foreign partners,” Priyezheva said.
These statements were made at the first ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, held this Saturday in Sochi.
The forum is aimed at consolidating economic and strategic relations between Russia and African countries and exploring areas of cooperation beyond the pharmaceutical sector.
Among the products supplied to several African countries, including Morocco, are vaccines against yellow fever, preventive medicines for various infectious diseases, as well as antiviral and antibacterial treatments.
In 2022, Morocco’s imports of Russian pharmaceuticals reached $17.22 million, according to Trading Economics, a figure that testifies to Russia’s growing importance in Morocco’s healthcare sector.
Morocco was also represented at the Sochi Forum by Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, who used the platform to promote Morocco’s pan-African vision. In his speech, Bourita reiterated his conviction that Africa’s potential is a great asset for the whole world. “The world needs Africa, not the other way around,” he said, calling for a respectful partnership and the abandonment of paternalistic approaches to the continent.
The head of Moroccan diplomacy also underlined the capacity of African countries to face their own challenges, stressing the need for ambitious initiatives to support Africa’s development and the aspirations of its people.
MK/sf/te/lb/as/APA