Growing Africa’s Health: Reversing the global vaccine manufacturing imbalance.

The COVID-19 pandemic shocked our understanding of what underpins health security and resilience in emerging markets. In Africa, where only one percent of vaccines used in the continent are produced locally, this production imbalance led to huge inequities in access, impacting people's health and local economies.

The narrative is set to change. With the recent launch of the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA), led by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and Africa CDC , Africa’s journey to a healthier and more prosperous future has begun. This innovative facility, which will galvanize $1 billion over a period of 10 years, is poised to support manufacturers on the continent in developing a robust vaccine manufacturing ecosystem across the entire value chain. IFC - International Finance Corporation , together with 世界银行 , have been and will continue to be closely involved in efforts to ensure AVMA’s success, which truly means the success of Africa. The potential of this initiative is exhilarating.

First, AVMA validates Africa’s quest for homegrown vaccine solutions. Challenges like limited access to finance, demand uncertainties, and high entry costs have held the continent back from vaccine self-sufficiency for the longest time. While there are vaccine producers – who mainly focus on fill and finish - it has been difficult to support the right investments and planning for locating the vaccine value chain in Africa. AVMA will incentivize these manufacturers and enable sustainability and scale.

Second, collaboration will be pivotal to achieving sustainable health in Africa. Vaccine markets can be volatile, manufacturing takes specialized skills and supplies, and off-take agreements are key. Collaboration will play a critical role in ensuring the sustainability of AVMA. As an institution, we recognize that Africa’s ambition of manufacturing 60 percent of its own vaccines by 2040 hinges on the strength of how effectively we can work together to build solutions. Everyone across the table is a critical piece of the puzzle. From capital mobilization and investments to supply chain consolidation, governance and regulatory support, talent and infrastructure development, the long-term success of AVMA will depend on the strength of our partnerships.

Third, the potential for boosting vaccine manufacturing in Africa to create economic opportunities is immense. By supporting manufacturing capabilities in Africa, we cannot only stimulate economic activity but also create more jobs for young people and women, thereby enhancing global value chains. This includes expanding opportunities in research and development, boosting innovation, and facilitating skills transfer, all of which can contribute to a brighter economic future for the continent.

IFC has supported a stronger vaccine manufacturing ecosystem in Africa through partnerships with public and private stakeholders, including Biovac , Institut Pasteur de Dakar , and Aspen Pharmacare -- to leverage investment to build stronger African health systems. We plan to do more, and we know others will be joining in.

I see an exciting future, and I want to commend Gavi and the Africa Centre for Disease Control for playing such a historic role in Africa’s journey toward vaccine sufficiency. The task of building a resilient health system in Africa is arduous. But we can accelerate progress by working together. By boosting Africa’s production capabilities for vaccines and health supplies, we can help the continent better identify its needs and develop more localized and specific solutions for priority diseases, helping Africa’s 1.4 billion people reach their full economic potential.

That journey begins today!