South Africa’s Medical Technology Industry Unveils Ambitious Master Plan for Growth

9 May 2024

South Africa’s medical technology sector is gearing up for a significant leap forward with the imminent launch of the Medical Technology (MEDTECH) Master Plan. Industry stakeholders, in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), will unveil the plan at an event presided over by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr. Ebrahim Patel.

Scheduled for Monday, 13 May 2024, at 10:30 am, the launch will take place at the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) located at 19 Fredman Drive, Sandton.

The MEDTECH Master Plan is poised to provide a strategic roadmap for both public and private sectors, aimed at fortifying the industry and propelling it onto a trajectory of sustained growth. Central to the plan is the forging of agreements on key intervention areas, fostering collaboration, and securing commitments for continuous development and investment.

One of the primary objectives outlined in the plan is the cultivation of a competitive medical technology landscape over the next three years. Emphasis will be placed on nurturing small to medium enterprises (SMEs), positioning them to serve both domestic and international markets.

Recognized as a vital contributor to economic expansion and employment generation, the MEDTECH industry holds the promise of enhancing healthcare delivery and elevating the quality of life for South Africans. Its diverse portfolio encompasses products ranging from titanium-based implants to disinfectants, bandages, catheters, and more, with materials sourced from metals, chemicals, textiles, plastics, wood, and various other sources.

During the tumultuous period of the COVID-19 pandemic, South African MEDTECH manufacturers demonstrated remarkable agility, ramping up production to meet escalating demand for medical devices.

South Africa’s MEDTECH market stands as one of the largest in Africa and the Middle East, with an estimated worth of R21 billion in 2021. Projections indicate a substantial growth trajectory, with expectations that the market will soar to R29.6 billion by 2025.

The launch of the MEDTECH Master Plan heralds a new chapter in South Africa’s medical technology landscape, promising to fuel innovation, bolster economic resilience, and enhance healthcare accessibility for all citizens.