Saphar, Niger

The distribution of pharmaceutical products  in Niger is dominated by two subsidiaries of multinational groups with centralised purchasing facilities based in France. SAPHAR is the country’s third largest distributor.

The company services the hundred or so private dispensaries, concentrated mainly in Niamey but also in hospitals and other treatment centres around the country, and the mining companies in the north.

It distributes about 2,000 products, including both specialty drugs and an increasing number of quality generics.

After a difficult year in 2006, the recovery that started in 2007 was confirmed in 2008. Sales revenue rose 25% and net earnings tripled.