Gigalab advances Morocco’s locally made Covid-19 testing capacity

Gigalab is developing a local Covid-19 testing industry in Morocco through a manufacturing unit capable of producing one PCR test and two rapid tests. The facility can produce up to 2 million units per month for each test, according to Karim Zaher, the company’s founder and chief executive officer.

The production volume can be adjusted based on cooperation with Morocco’s Ministry of Health and demand from export markets. Zaher said the company is also seeking to make rapid saliva testing more accessible to the public.

The rapid test can be performed by individuals without professional training, according to the company. Zaher pointed to France, South Korea, Japan and Germany, where rapid saliva tests have been made available through pharmacies to support wider screening.

Gigalab is working with the Ministry of Health on the regulatory process and is awaiting approval to sell the tests through Moroccan pharmacies. The company has not yet confirmed a date for commercial availability.

The project relies on technology transferred from a South Korean company. Gigalab sees this industrial capacity as an opportunity for Morocco to strengthen its position in medical diagnostics and develop production capabilities that could serve African markets.

Zaher estimates that the rapid saliva test could cost between 80 and 100 Moroccan dirhams once it reaches the market. The test’s quality management system complies with international standards, according to the company.

The product can remain valid for up to two years when properly packaged. It must be stored at temperatures ranging from 2°C to 30°C.

The project comes as Morocco seeks to expand domestic production of health-related products and strengthen its capacity to respond to public health needs. For Gigalab, the development of local testing technology also creates an avenue for future exports, depending on regulatory approvals and market demand.