The African Pooled Procurement Mechanism (APPM) is a strategic initiative led by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to enhance the affordability, availability, and equitable access to essential medical supplies across all African Union (AU) Member States. Officially endorsed during the 37th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly in February 2024, the APPM aims to consolidate procurement efforts continent-wide, thereby strengthening local manufacturing capacities and reducing reliance on external suppliers.
By pooling demand, the APPM enables African countries to leverage collective bargaining power, attract competitive suppliers, and ensure a more stable and predictable supply of quality-assured health products. This approach is particularly critical in addressing challenges such as fragmented markets, small order sizes, and poor demand forecasting. The mechanism also supports the African Union’s goal of producing 60% of the continent’s vaccine needs locally by 2040, contributing to greater health sovereignty and resilience.
To facilitate the operationalization of the APPM, Africa CDC collaborates closely with Regional Economic Communities (RECs), development partners, and other stakeholders. This collaboration includes establishing joint information-sharing platforms and aligning regional procurement mechanisms with the continental framework.
In summary, the APPM represents a transformative effort to unify and strengthen Africa’s health procurement systems, ensuring that all AU Member States have equitable access to essential medical products and fostering the growth of local manufacturing capabilities.