In a landmark decision, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) unveiled a pooled African medicines procurement mechanism during the 37th African Union Summit. This initiative, hailed as “the second independence of Africa” by its Director General, Dr. Jean Kaseya, aims to empower local manufacturers and drive self-sufficiency in medicine production.
The $50 billion African market for medicines and vaccines will be the focus of this collective effort. By consolidating demand across member states, the mechanism promises predictable, long-term orders for manufacturers, fostering a robust market and potentially unlocking investments. This, in turn, is expected to reduce reliance on external suppliers and secure better pricing deals for African nations.
To further bolster local production, the African Union has expanded the Africa CDC’s mandate to include manufacturing of medicines and diagnostics, alongside its existing focus on vaccines. Additionally, Kenyan President William Ruto has been appointed as the local manufacturing champion, highlighting the continental commitment to prioritizing health security through domestic production.
Currently, less than 1% of vaccines are manufactured within Africa. Recognizing this gap, African leaders have set an ambitious target of producing 60% of vaccines locally by 2040. To achieve this, the Africa CDC aims to leverage collaborations with the pharmaceutical sector and build strong partnerships.
A key to unlocking the full potential of this initiative lies in establishing a streamlined regulatory framework across the continent. The rapid establishment of the African Medicines Agency (AMA) is crucial for enabling efficient approval and monitoring of vaccines, medicines, and health technologies. While 27 countries have ratified the AMA treaty, full operationalization requires swift action by all 55 member states.
The decisions taken at the AU Summit signal a significant step towards Africa’s self-reliance in medical product manufacturing. By combining pooled procurement, expanded mandates, and a focus on regulatory harmonization, African leaders are paving the way for a healthier and more secure future for all citizens.
