PHARMAKINA

Pharmakina is a leading pharmaceutical company based in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, specializing in the production of quinine-based antimalarials and antiretroviral drugs. Originally established in 1961 as a subsidiary of the German pharmaceutical giant Boehringer Ingelheim, it became an independent Congolese entity in 1999. The company operates one of the largest cinchona bark processing facilities in the world, sourcing raw materials from its own extensive plantations in the South Kivu region. Pharmakina's product line includes quinine salts, tablets, and the antiretroviral combination Afri-vir, which are essential for treating endemic diseases in Central Africa. By maintaining a complete value chain from cultivation to finished dosage forms, the company ensures a stable supply of high-quality medicines for the regional market. Pharmakina remains a vital component of the DRC's healthcare infrastructure and a significant employer in the Bukavu area.