Varichem |

From Brake Fluid Manufacturer to Pharmaceutical Powerhouse: Varichem’s 40-Year Journey In Zimbabwe

July 10, 2025 Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa When you walk into a pharmacy or a hospital in Zimbabwe, chances are high that the medicine you’re prescribed or dispensed is manufactured by Varichem. From its humble beginnings as a manufacturer of automobile lubricants and brake fluids, Varichem Pharmaceuticals has grown to become a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer with a footprint that spans multiple African countries. This year, Varichem marks a remarkable 40 years in the pharmaceutical manufacturing business. It is a journey shaped by visionary leadership, resilience in the face of economic and regulatory adversity, and…

Zimbabwe’s Pharmaceutical Industry On Chokehold

September 25, 2023 Michael Gwarisa

High Compliance and regulatory risk, coupled with steep production costs, unending power cuts, and import-related costs for pharmaceutical products and raw materials, have stifled growth in the local pharmaceutical manufacturing and retail sector, Industry players have said. By Michael Gwarisa The high costs of doing business have had a ripple effect on the consumers as the cost of pharmaceutical products locally is beyond the reach of many and in some cases, has led to drug stock-outs as operators struggle to produce and procure pharmaceutical products from source markets. Speaking at…

Patents Could Impact Negatively on Zim’s Access to COVID-19 Treatment

September 16, 2020September 16, 2020 Michael Gwarisa

DOZENS of coronavirus vaccines are currently under development as the world races towards getting a vaccine that could rescue the world from the prevailing misery. To date, more than 150 coronavirus vaccines are in development across the world—and hopes are high to bring one to market in record time to ease the global crisis. By Michael Gwarisa The World Health Organization is also coordinating global efforts to develop a vaccine, with an eye toward delivering two billion doses by the end of 2021. However, in the midst of all these…