Pharmakina. Leading the Fight Against Malaria & Beyond.
The Company:
Who We Are
Founded in 1942 in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo, Pharmakina stands as Africa’s leading producer of quinine-based pharmaceuticals. Our mission is rooted in transforming Africa’s rich natural resources into life-saving medicines that directly fight malaria while strengthening local communities and national healthcare systems.
By controlling the full production chain – from seedling to final pharmaceutical product – Pharmakina ensures the highest level of quality, consistency, and long-term supply security. Our approach integrates science, sustainability, community empowerment, and business responsibility into a single mission.
Every product we manufacture is part of our broader commitment: Combat la Malaria.
Our Vision:
A world where no life
is lost to malaria.
Pharmakina envisions a future where no life is lost to malaria, ensuring high-quality, accessible treatments that improve global health and drive sustainable development.
As a leader in Africa’s natural medicine industry,
we are committed to innovation, ethical practices, and strong community partnerships to advance healthcare, create jobs, and empower
communities.
Our Mission
To produce life-saving, accessible, high-quality quinine-based treatments.
To advance sustainable development through ethical sourcing, fair trade, and community partnerships.
To strengthen Africa’s healthcare resilience while creating long-term economic opportunities for thousands of smallholder farmers.
Our Legacy:
Decades of Leadership
Our Management Team
Chairman
Bringing extensive leadership experience from both multinational corporations and NGOs, Roland leads Pharmakina’s strategic vision, ensuring that scientific excellence is matched with sustainable development and regional impact. His career spans corporate management, business transformation, and global nonprofit leadership, with a focus on building organizations that achieve both financial sustainability and deep social value.
Chief Executive Officer
With over 20 years of experience leading financial, operational, and executive teams across Europe, the USA, and Africa, Gurpreet brings unique cross-industry and cross-cultural expertise. As a certified chartered accountant and computer engineer, he leads Pharmakina’s continuous operational optimization, global market expansion, and financial stability, ensuring the company’s growth serves both shareholders and communities.
CFO
Thierry is an experienced CFO with a strong background in
agribusiness in Africa. He was previously in charge of the finance department for Olam Africa. He brings deep expertise in financial management, corporate governance, and resource optimization, ensuring financial health while supporting long-term strategic investment in Pharmakina’s growth and sustainability.
Research & Development Director
A PhD in medicinal chemistry with over 25 years of expertise in pharmaceutical production, packaging, and quality control, Dr. Kanyonyo specializes in transforming natural resources into high-value finished products while ensuring compliance with international manufacturing regulations. Under his leadership, Pharmakina has continuously advanced R&D capabilities, enhanced formulation efficiency, and strengthened regulatory adherence, positioning the company as a pioneer in plant-based APIs. He has led multiple innovations in quinine extraction and formulation, improving product stability, effectiveness, and accessibility worldwide. Before being promoted to CTO in 2023, Dr. Kanyonyo led Pharmakina’s pharmaceutical department.
Head of Supply
Andreas boasts over 30 years of global food consultancy experience across four continents. He specializes in building and managing supply chains by partnering with smallholder farmers, ensuring quality, efficiency, and equitable participation in the value chain. His leadership in supply chain optimization ensures that Pharmakina can scale responsibly while maintaining high standards of sustainability and farmer inclusion.
Production & Technical Director
Tarik brings more than 24 years of experience in pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing, with senior leadership roles across GMP-regulated and high-compliance industrial sites. As Production & Technical Director, he oversees production, engineering, automation, and process optimization, ensuring operational excellence, safety, and regulatory compliance. His background in process engineering, site management, and operational transformation supports Pharmakina’s capacity to scale reliable, high-quality pharmaceutical production.
Head of Legal & Human Resources
Didier leads Pharmakina’s Legal and Human Resources functions, bringing strong expertise in Congolese law, corporate governance, labor relations, and people management. With a background spanning legal practice, judicial institutions, and human resources leadership, he ensures regulatory compliance, ethical governance, and constructive social dialogue. His work supports workforce stability, legal integrity, and responsible organizational growth.
Certifications and
Accreditations
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certified
Fully compliant with international pharmaceutical and beverage industry standards
Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) aligned with IFC/ILO sustainability and labor standards