Iran eyes African market for medical technology, pharmaceutical exports

The head of the Department for Development of Knowledge-Based Companies at Iran’s Vice Presidency for Science, Technology and Knowledge-Based Economy, has identified medical equipment and pharmaceuticals as key areas for technological cooperation with African nations.

The vice presidency’s Communications and Information Center reported, Turaj Amraei made the announcement during the Third Iran-Africa Economic Cooperation Conference underway in Tehran, where Iranian officials showcase the country’s growing technological capabilities.

Amraei highlighted Iran’s robust innovation ecosystem, comprising 166 accelerators, 350 innovation centers, and 23 innovation factories.

He emphasized four strategic sectors for international collaboration, including pharmaceutical products, medical devices, chemical materials, and energy industry machinery.

These fields build upon Iran’s existing strengths in nanotechnology, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence, he noted.

With over 10,100 active knowledge-based companies in Iran – many with export experience – the sector now employs nearly 500,000 specialists and produces more than 17,000 knowledge-based products.

Amraei pointed to successful African engagements, including a $1 million contract through Iran’s i-Hit platform in Kenya, where 35 Iranian companies have established operations.

“Sixty-four different Iranian medical devices have already met quality standards for African markets,” Amraei noted, expressing optimism about expanding such partnerships across the continent.

The deputy credited Iran’s skilled workforce and government support programs as key drivers behind the internationalization efforts.