Essential medicines · Made in Africa
Africa should make its own medicines.
ShowaBioTech is a US-founded company planning a manufacturing campus in Ethiopia to produce essential medicine ingredients, starting with antibiotics, for the United States and Africa, and to grow into a flexible facility that can respond when the next health emergency comes.
Pre-launch · Company in formation- 01 Ferment
- 02 Purify
- 03 Test every batch
- 04 Release with traceability
01The gap
A continent that waits at the back of the line
About one in six people on Earth live in Africa, yet almost all of the continent's medicines, and nearly all of the ingredients inside them, are made elsewhere. When COVID struck, producing nations served their own people first, and Africa waited. Shortages of simple, essential medicines still cost lives every year.
Concentrated supply
A few countries make most of the world's essential medicine ingredients.
Fragile in a crisis
When borders close or demand spikes, importing regions are served last.
Local capacity saves time
Medicines made close to patients reach them faster when it matters most.
02What we plan to make
Starting with the essentials
We plan to begin with antibiotics that doctors rely on every day, then expand step by step, guided by what health authorities say is needed most.
Penicillin-family antibiotics (starting with amoxicillin)
Among the most widely prescribed medicines in the world.
Other fermentation-based antibiotics
Additional essential antibiotics made by fermentation.
Insulin
Almost all insulin used in Africa is imported.
Medicines for TB and malaria
Ingredients for diseases that weigh heavily on Africa.
Animal-health medicines
For farmers and livestock across East Africa.
Emergency production
Flexible capacity for ingredients needed in outbreaks.
Our product list will be guided by regulators and public-health institutions.
03How we will build it
Step by step, done properly
- 1
Listen
Engage regulators, public-health institutions and governments on which medicines are needed most.
- 2
Finish first
Begin with the final manufacturing steps, turning starting materials into finished medicine ingredients and medicines, while training an expert team.
- 3
Ferment
Add our own fermentation, so the full chain is made in Africa.
- 4
Expand
Add a flexible fermentation hall for more medicines, insulin and emergency production.
- 5
Serve
Supply the United States, Ethiopia and Africa as approvals allow, and over time markets worldwide.
Planned approach. Timelines depend on partners, funding and approvals.
Ready for the next crisis
A fermentation plant is a flexible tool. In normal times it makes essential medicines. In an emergency it can be redirected to ingredients that are suddenly in short supply. We are designing ShowaBioTech so that Africa has capacity of its own when it is needed most.
04Quality from day one
Built to international standards
These are our design commitments. No certifications have been granted yet.
- Designed from the start to meet international Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).
- Separate, dedicated facilities where regulations require them, such as for penicillin products.
- Clean water, careful treatment of all wastewater, and responsible use of river water so nearby communities are protected.
- Quality systems, testing and traceability for every batch.
05Technology
Engineering and AI in the process
Our founder is an engineer who builds sensors and AI systems. We plan to use real-time monitoring and AI to keep fermentation stable, catch contamination early, improve yields and keep a complete digital record of every batch.
In developmentIllustrative · real-time process monitoring (in development)
06Who we want to hear from
Working together
Industry partners
Experienced pharmaceutical manufacturers, engineering firms, equipment makers and technology licensors.
Investors and development partners
Organisations who want to build Africa's health security.
07About the founder
Why ShowaBioTech
ShowaBioTech was founded by Amanuel Dula, an Ethiopian-born engineer living in the United States. He holds a degree in electrical and computer engineering and a master's in computer science, and has spent more than twelve years building software, sensors and AI systems. He started ShowaBioTech because he believes no one should die for lack of a simple medicine, and that Africa can and should make its own.
We are building a team of experienced pharmaceutical, fermentation and quality specialists.
Groveland, Florida, USA · Operations planned in Ethiopia
FAQ
Questions
What is ShowaBioTech?
A new company planning to manufacture essential medicine ingredients and medicines in Ethiopia, starting with antibiotics.
Is the factory built?
Not yet. We are in the planning stage, engaging regulators, governments and partners.
Why Ethiopia?
Abundant water and hydropower, a growing pharmaceutical sector, strong universities and a central location for serving Africa. The founder was born there.
Who will you supply?
ShowaBioTech is a US-founded company building a trusted supply of essential medicines for the United States and Africa. As approvals allow, we plan to serve both, and other markets over time.
Why does this matter for the United States?
Much of the world's supply of essential medicine ingredients is concentrated in a few places. A trusted additional source strengthens US supply security, especially in emergencies.
Do you sell medicines now?
No. We do not sell or supply any products yet, and we do not provide medical advice.
How can I work with you?
Use the contact form below. We especially welcome experienced pharmaceutical professionals and partners.
Contact
Get in touch
We would like to hear from health institutions, partners, investors and experienced professionals.
Groveland, Florida, USA
Please do not send medical or patient information.