Barbados and Nigeria have advanced plans to establish a US$32 million pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Barbados, aimed at strengthening regional healthcare security, reducing reliance on imported medical supplies and expanding industrial cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean.
The proposed intravenous (IV) fluids manufacturing plant is being developed through a partnership involving Barbados Pharmaceutical Inc. (BPI), Nigerian pharmaceutical manufacturer AMA Medical Manufacturing and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).
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Agreements supporting the project were signed during the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and Commonwealth Business Forum in Antigua and Barbuda. The initiative includes a memorandum of understanding between BPI and AMA, alongside arrangements with Afreximbank to advance project preparation and financing.
The facility is expected to produce approximately 12 million units of IV fluids annually, with potential for expansion and the introduction of additional pharmaceutical products following technical and regulatory assessments.
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley said the partnership would help strengthen regional health security and reduce dependence on overseas suppliers, particularly following the difficulties Caribbean countries experienced obtaining essential medical products during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under the proposed arrangement, Nigeria would contribute pharmaceutical manufacturing expertise, while Barbados would provide opportunities for investment, local production and regional market access.
Afreximbank is expected to support the project’s preparation and financing process, including technical assessments, feasibility studies and the development of a comprehensive financing structure.
The manufacturing facility is projected to create more than 200 direct jobs and provide opportunities for specialised training in pharmaceutical production, quality assurance and related technical fields.
Production is targeted to begin in 2029, although project preparation, financing, regulatory approvals and other implementation requirements must still be completed.
The initiative forms part of Barbados’ broader efforts to establish a pharmaceutical manufacturing industry capable of supplying domestic healthcare facilities and regional markets, while deepening economic cooperation between African and Caribbean countries.
