Dei BioPharma, Uganda’s pioneering research-based biotechnology and pharmaceuticals firm, has been honored with the title of Best Pharma Company at the 2024 African Excellence Awards. The awards, organized by MEA Markets and based in London, recognize outstanding achievements across various sectors in Africa.
Kaven Cooper, the awards coordinator, praised the winners for their exemplary contributions. “I’m always inspired by the excellence we uncover throughout Africa—an ever-evolving continent rich with innovation and client-focused services,” Cooper stated. The awards celebrate businesses that significantly contribute to Africa’s development and prosperity.
Among other winners were Adeptal Limited from Nigeria, recognized for Best Water and Wastewater Treatment Solutions; the International Center for Humanitarian Affairs (ICHA) from East Africa, awarded Most Dedicated Humanitarian Affairs Research Organization; and QuaLabels Manufacturers PLC from Ethiopia, named Best Beer Labels and Flexible Packaging Manufacturer for 2024.
Dei BioPharma Ltd was acknowledged for its development of a state-of-the-art biological drugs and vaccines manufacturing facility in Matugga, Wakiso District. This facility is set to be Uganda’s largest pharmaceutical manufacturing site and the first biotechnology company in the country to introduce advanced technologies such as mRNA, gene therapy, novel vaccines, and recombinant drugs, adhering to rigorous regulatory standards.
The company is scheduled to launch commercially in October and has already submitted its research products for review by the US FDA.
Dr. Matthias Magoola, Founder and CEO of Dei Group of Companies, expressed gratitude for the support of President Yoweri Museveni. “Without his unwavering support and belief, these achievements in Uganda would not have been possible,” Dr. Magoola said. He highlighted the Matugga facility as Africa’s first independent full-scale biotech plant and credited President Museveni for his ongoing support of the scientific community in Uganda.
Dei BioPharma has made significant strides with innovations such as the US-patented chemical drug N-Isobutyll-3, 4-methylenedioxy-trans-cinnamide for malaria treatment and the first mRNA universal vaccine against malaria. Other notable achievements include mRNA vaccines for neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, HIV, and HPV, all patented in the USA.
The Matugga-based plant, with an investment of one billion US dollars, will introduce affordable therapies and novel vaccines, addressing critical health needs in Africa. This investment aims to provide essential treatments, including anticancer drugs, and vaccines specifically targeting infections prevalent in the region.
About the African Excellence Awards: In its seventh year, the African Excellence Awards, organized by MEA Markets Magazine, honor businesses and individuals for their remarkable achievements and influence across various industries. Published quarterly by AI Global Media, MEA Markets provides business and investment news across the Middle East and Africa, highlighting the dedication and resilience of businesses making significant impacts on the continent.
