First Integrated Rapid Test Plant in Egypt & the Arab World Opens

Spectrum Diagnostic Industries has inaugurated the first integrated manufacturing plant in Egypt and the Arab world dedicated to producing rapid diagnostic tests, with the new facility opening in the Ismailia Public Free Zone.

The factory is expected to strengthen domestic medical manufacturing by producing rapid diagnostic tests used to detect infectious diseases and epidemics, conduct drug screening and identify cancer biomarkers.

Speaking at the inauguration, Minister of Industry Khaled Hashem said local production is expected to reduce Egypt's reliance on imported rapid diagnostic tests, generating annual savings of around USD 30 million while creating new opportunities to expand exports of higher-value medical products.

Hashem added that the project reflects growing confidence in Egyptian manufacturers' ability to meet international quality standards. He also highlighted cooperation between the Ministry of Industry, the Ministry of Health and Population, the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade, the Egyptian Drug Authority and private sector partners in bringing the facility online.

The minister noted that pharmaceuticals are one of seven priority sectors identified in Egypt's updated industrial strategy, which focuses on increasing local content, improving product quality, advancing technological modernisation, attracting investment linked to technology transfer and integrating local industries into global value chains.