Africa produces only about 1% of the vaccines it uses, leaving the continent heavily dependent on imports of essential health products. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the risks of this dependence, as global shortages and export restrictions disrupted access to vaccines, diagnostics and other medical supplies.
The African Union has set an ambition for at least 60% of Africa’s health product needs to be met through local manufacturing by 2040.
With this target in mind, in 2021 Africa CDC launched the Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM) to accelerate vaccine production. In 2024, the African Union expanded this agenda through the Platform for Harmonized African Health Products Manufacturing (PHAHM), covering vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, medical devices and other essential health products.
Through its Local Manufacturing Directorate, Africa CDC works with Member States, manufacturers and development partners to expand production capacity, facilitate technology transfer, mobilise investment and develop regional supply chains.
Several initiatives are translating this agenda into action.
Among them is the Continental Health Product Manufacturing Database and Mapping, which identifies African manufacturers, their capabilities and product portfolios to inform investment and partnerships.
Africa CDC is also developing a continental strategy to improve access to critical manufacturing inputs, including active pharmaceutical ingredients, while providing technical assistance to manufacturers preparing to bring products to market.
Four Regional Capability and Capacity Networks across North, East, West and Southern Africa support specialised training, fellowships, internships and knowledge exchange.
In addition, the Africa CDC Technology Transfer Companion Handbook andthe Technology Transfer Database provide guidance and facilitate partnerships between African manufacturers and technology providers.
However, expanding local production requires predictable demand and viable markets.
The African Pooled Procurement Mechanism (APPM), established and incubated under PHAHM, seeks to aggregate demand from Member States, improve access to affordable, quality-assured health products and create sustainable markets for African manufacturers.
By aligning production with continental demand, Africa CDC aims to attract investment, support local manufacturers and reduce dependence on external suppliers.
Local manufacturing is a key pillar of Africa’s Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda, endorsed by African Union Heads of State and Government in February 2026 to reduce dependence on external financing and imported health products, improve pandemic preparedness and build resilient, self-reliant health systems across the continent.
Through coordinated investment in production capacity, technology, skills and market access, Africa CDC is working towards a continent that can produce more of the essential health products it needs and respond more effectively to public health emergencies.
