Sandton — Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel is overseeing the launch of the Medical Technology (MEDTECH) Master Plan today at the Industrial Development Corporation headquarters. This initiative, driven by industry stakeholders, seeks to chart a growth path for South Africa’s burgeoning medical technology sector.

According to South African Government News Agency, the strategy is designed to coordinate public and private sector efforts in enhancing the medical technology field. It outlines specific areas for intervention and emphasizes collaboration and commitment to continuous investment and development. The plan’s primary goal over the next three years is to cultivate a competitive MEDTECH industry with a particular focus on bolstering small to medium enterprises capable of serving both domestic and international markets.

The MEDTECH sector, which utilizes a wide range of materials including metals, chemicals, textiles, plastics, and wood to produce diverse products, has become increasingly vital to the nation’s economy. Notably, the industry experienced a surge in prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, as local manufacturers ramped up production to meet global medical device demand.

South Africa currently stands as one of the largest medical technology markets in Africa and the Middle East, with its value estimated at R21 billion in 2021 and projected to grow to R29.6 billion by 2025.