Pharmco is more than a cooperative — it is a movement of professionals who are turning Africa’s health and employment challenges into opportunities. For Chemical Engineers, Pharmacists, Microbiologists, Biotechnologists, Industrial Chemists and other specialists, Pharmco provides a platform to put your expertise to work, own the enterprise you help build and shape the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution in Africa.

By joining Pharmco, members gain:

• Employment & Ownership: Instead of waiting for scarce jobs, professionals create their own workplace, share in profits and influence strategy as co-owners.

• Real-World Impact: Contribute to solving Africa’s medicine shortages by producing and distributing essential drugs where they are most needed.

• Professional Growth: Work in a regulated, GMP-aligned environment that strengthens your technical and managerial experience.

• Collaboration Across Disciplines: Pharmco thrives on teamwork — from engineers designing processes, pharmacists ensuring drug safety, to microbiologists handling quality control.

• Social Contribution: Every member’s effort not only generates personal income but also improves access to healthcare and creates jobs for peers.

Pharmco is where knowledge meets action and professionals move from job seekers to job creators. Joining means becoming part of a cooperative that values both profitability and purpose — building wealth while serving the nation.

Pharmco – Prospective Members FAQ

1. What is a cooperative (co-op)?

A cooperative is a business owned and controlled by its members. Unlike a private company where profits go to a few shareholders, a co-op distributes profits fairly among members and reinvests into growth for the benefit of all.

2. What is Pharmco?

Pharmco is the Pharmaceutical Co-op Society created by graduates in Chemical Engineering, Pharmacy, Microbiology, Biotechnology and related sciences. It focuses on manufacturing and distributing essential medicines while creating jobs for its members.

3. Why was Pharmco formed?

Africa faces two challenges:

• Medicine shortages in hospitals and pharmacies.

• Graduate unemployment, especially for technical professionals.
  Pharmco was formed to solve both problems at once — produce medicines locally and create employment for skilled graduates.

4. Who can join Pharmco?

Membership is open to:

• Chemical Engineers (core founders).

• Pharmacists.

• Microbiologists.

• Industrial Chemists.

• Biotechnologists.

• Other allied professionals in quality assurance, biomedical engineering, logistics and regulatory affairs.

5. How does Pharmco create jobs for members?

Pharmco members don’t just work for salaries — they own the enterprise. Members contribute their skills in production, distribution, research, or management. They earn income through wages, but also share in co-op profits.

6. What are the benefits of joining Pharmco?

• Employment: A chance to work in your field.

• Ownership: You are part-owner of the cooperative.

• Profit Sharing: Members share in profits after expenses.

• Professional Growth: Gain experience in a regulated, GMP-based pharmaceutical environment.

• Impact: Help reduce drug shortages and strengthen healthcare in Africa.

7. How does Pharmco make money?

Pharmco earns revenue from:

1. Selling medicines to referral hospitals.

2. Running Pharmco-owned retail pharmacies.

3. Operating a national distribution network for drugs.

8. How is Pharmco funded?

Pharmco raises money through:

• Member contributions (shares).

• Co-op Debentures (investments by supporters at a fixed return).

• Reinvested profits from sales.

9. Will I be paid a salary as a member?

Yes — members working full-time receive a salary. In addition, as a co-owner, you receive profit-sharing dividends when Pharmco makes surplus income.

10. How is Pharmco different from a private pharmaceutical company?

• Owned by graduates, not a few investors.

• Profits are shared fairly, not extracted.

• Purpose-driven: Pharmco exists to create jobs and solve medicine shortages, not just maximize profit.

11. What commitment is expected from members?

• Joining Fee / Shares: Members buy a small stake to join.

• Active Participation: Members contribute their skills to the co-op.

• Democratic Decision-Making: Each member has one vote, regardless of their shareholding.

12. Can non-scientists join Pharmco?

Yes — Pharmco also needs accountants, IT specialists, logistics officers and other support professionals. While the core is pharmaceutical, the co-op thrives on diverse skills.

13. Where will Pharmco operate?

Pharmco will begin with a pilot at a state-owned referral hospital in Africa, then expand into distribution hubs and Pharmco retail pharmacies across the country and eventually grow into the region (Zambia, Mozambique, etc.).

14. What impact will Pharmco have on Africa?

• Healthcare Impact: More medicines available, fewer hospital stock-outs.

• Economic Impact: 350+ jobs created in 5 years.

• Social Impact: Graduates become job creators, not job seekers.

15. How do I join Pharmco?

• Step 1: Apply for membership.

• Step 2: Pay your membership fees and buy shares.

• Step 3: Be allocated a role based on your skills.

• Step 4: Participate in training, meetings and co-op activities.