Malawi is set to save foreign exchange on pharmaceuticals following a $65 million partnership between MUST and Rephaiah, an Icelandic company. The deal will see local manufacturing of drugs at MUST's industrial park.

MUST Deputy VC, Professor Wilson Mandala, says production starts in 2 years, prioritizing children antibiotics and ARVs.

"This is a national project that will help the country export drugs, save forex, and boost development," he said.

Rephaiah Chairperson, Professor Sveinbjorn Gizurarson, says it's time for Malawi to have high-quality drugs.

"It's now time for Malawi to have high-quality drugs... contributing to technology transfer, quality assurance, and drug security," he said.

Dr. Bright Molande, PS Ministry of Trade, says MUST is a hub of innovation and job creation. 

He said, "MUST has demonstrated that it is a hub of production that cultivates innovation and job creation, and will lead the country's self-dependence resolve".

Icelandic Ambassador David Bjarnason commits to supporting the collaboration.

"This will strengthen domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing and link academia with industry," he said.