As the world emerges from the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, the race to secure vaccines has revealed deep inequalities and sparked a global reckoning on health security. Across continents, nations are striving to strengthen their pharmaceutical capacities to protect their populations from current and future health crises. In this global movement toward self-reliance, Africa is steadily emerging as a beacon of innovation and determination.
While historically the continent has depended heavily on vaccine imports, recent years have seen a remarkable surge in Africa’s commitment to pharmaceutical sovereignty. Africa is not only participating but also leading transformative efforts that are reshaping the global vaccine landscape. From pioneering mRNA vaccine hubs to regional regulatory reforms, the continent is laying the foundation for a future where it will no longer be at the mercy of external supply chains.
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This shift signals a promising future, one where Africa moves from being a passive recipient in global health to becoming a proactive leader, securing its own medical future and contributing vital solutions to the world’s health challenges.
Despite being home to 17% of the world’s population, Africa produces less than 1% of the vaccines it consumes. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), only about five vaccine manufacturers currently operate on the continent, primarily located in countries like South Africa, Senegal, Egypt, and Tunisia. The vast majority of vaccines used in Africa are imported from global pharmaceutical giants based in Europe, North America, and Asia.
The COVID-19 pandemic magnified this imbalance. While wealthy countries secured over 70% of initial vaccine supplies globally, Africa received only around 3% of the first 1 billion doses distributed worldwide by early 2021. This inequity delayed vaccination campaigns and prolonged public health crises across many African nations. The African Union’s African Vaccine Acquisition Task Team (AVATT) and the COVAX initiative helped bridge the gap, but these were stopgap solutions, not sustainable models.
Financially, the pharmaceutical market in Africa is projected to reach $65 billion by 2027, up from $28 billion in 2020. This rapid growth underscores the urgent need to build domestic manufacturing capacities. Furthermore, Africa spends an estimated $14 billion annually on imported pharmaceuticals, a figure that could be redirected to bolster local production and innovation.
Sewing the Fabric of Independence
The path to vaccine sovereignty is neither easy nor quick. However, recent strides are promising. In November 2021, the first COVID-19 mRNA vaccine manufacturing hub was inaugurated in South Africa, led by BioNTech in partnership with local firms and governments. This landmark development aims to produce up to 100 million doses annually for distribution across Africa, emphasising technology transfer and local capacity building.
Similarly, Senegal’s Institut Pasteur de Dakar has secured WHO prequalification for the production of yellow fever vaccines, showcasing a regional success story in pharmaceutical self-reliance. Egypt, too, has expanded its vaccine manufacturing capabilities, notably producing millions of doses of the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine domestically.
The African Medicines Agency (AMA), launched in 2021, is a continental regulatory body designed to harmonise pharmaceutical regulations, facilitate faster approvals, and encourage cross-border cooperation. By streamlining the regulatory framework, the AMA aims to accelerate the development and deployment of locally produced vaccines.
Navigating the Obstacles to Pharmaceutical Sovereignty
Yet, like a mighty river encountering boulders on its path, Africa’s journey to vaccine sovereignty faces significant challenges. Infrastructure deficits, lack of skilled workforce, limited research and development (R&D) investment, and fragmented regulatory environments complicate efforts.
For instance, less than 0.5% of Africa’s GDP is currently invested in health R&D, compared to 2.5% globally. This underinvestment stifles innovation and limits the continent’s ability to develop vaccines tailored to local disease burdens.
Furthermore, access to raw materials and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) remains a bottleneck. Most APIs are imported, adding costs and complexity. Financing these ventures also poses hurdles. Vaccine manufacturing requires substantial capital expenditure and ongoing operational costs. Many African countries face fiscal constraints, exacerbated by the economic fallout of the pandemic. Public-private partnerships and international financing mechanisms, including support from the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the World Bank, are pivotal in bridging this gap.
South Africa’s mRNA Hub
South Africa’s BioNTech mRNA vaccine manufacturing hub offers a compelling case study of vaccine sovereignty in action. Launched in partnership with the South African government and the Africa CDC, the facility focuses on technology transfer, aiming to build a sustainable ecosystem for mRNA vaccine production.
This initiative not only promises regional self-sufficiency in COVID-19 vaccines but also paves the way for manufacturing vaccines against other infectious diseases, such as HIV and tuberculosis, both prevalent in Africa. As of 2024, the hub is projected to produce millions of doses annually, supported by investments totalling $100 million and training programmes for hundreds of local scientists and technicians.
This model exemplifies the transformative potential of vaccine sovereignty: building local capacity, creating jobs, fostering innovation, and improving health outcomes.
Policy Recommendations and Strategic Priorities
To weave the fabric of a truly sovereign pharmaceutical industry, African governments and stakeholders must prioritise coordinated efforts across several fronts. Investment in R&D must increase dramatically, supported by incentives for innovation and collaborations with global research institutions.
Strengthening education and training in pharmaceutical sciences is crucial to build a skilled workforce capable of sustaining advanced manufacturing operations. Moreover, regulatory harmonisation through the African Medicines Agency must be accelerated to facilitate swift vaccine approvals and market access.
Financing mechanisms tailored to the unique risks and timelines of vaccine production should be expanded, leveraging blended finance and international partnerships. Additionally, building local API production capacities will reduce dependency on external suppliers and cut costs.
Africa’s Pharmaceutical Renaissance
Africa’s pursuit of vaccine sovereignty is more than a quest for medical self-sufficiency; it is a transformative movement that promises to reshape the continent’s health security, economy, and global standing. The metaphor of growth, from planting seeds to witnessing a flourishing bloom, captures the essence of this journey.
Though the path is fraught with challenges, the growing momentum, demonstrated by strategic investments, innovative partnerships, and rising political will, signals that Africa is sowing the seeds for a pharmaceutical renaissance. With sustained commitment and collaboration, vaccine sovereignty can become a reality, empowering Africa to protect its people and assert its rightful place in the global health landscape.
