The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is now eligible for direct funding from the United Kingdom, following nearly one year of rigorous due diligence assessment.
“We warmly welcome the United Kingdom’s decision as a trusted and longstanding partner of Africa. This milestone is not only a recognition of the extensive reforms we have undertaken, but also an affirmation that Africa CDC today stands as a capable and accountable steward of resources for Africa’s health security,” said Dr Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC.
This achievement would not have been possible without the steadfast support of the UK Permanent Mission to the African Union, led by Ambassador Darren Welch, Deputy Ambassador Adam Drury, and their teams, he said.
Since 2023, Africa CDC has undertaken sweeping institutional reforms, which include full alignment with African Union Financial Rules and Regulations, the appointment of high-calibre professionals, the establishment of an Office of Internal Oversight, and the adoption of comprehensive Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), risk management, and anti-fraud policies.
Reinforced by regular independent audits, these reforms have stress tested Africa CDC’s systems and transformed the institution from reliance on third-party implementing partners into a continental agency fully capable of directly receiving and managing donor resources with accountability and transparency.
“We are equally grateful to colleagues at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in London — notably Mark Smith, Penny Innes, Uzoamaka Gilpin, Tino Lenton, and their teams — for their invaluable role in this process. I thank the Government of the United Kingdom for its confidence and partnership, and I call on all our partners to follow this example, placing their trust in the robust fiduciary and governance systems we have built — systems that reflect African ownership, African leadership, and global accountability,” said Dr Kaseya.
The UK’s approval follows the confidence already expressed by African Union Member States and other global health partners such as the World Bank, Gavi, CEPI, and the European Union (HERA), who have entrusted Africa CDC with the direct financial management of major programmes. Collectively, these endorsements affirm Africa CDC’s role as the continent’s recognised Public Health Agency.
Africa CDC remains firmly committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and performance, ensuring that the trust placed in it by African citizens and the international community is continuously strengthened.
This achievement forms part of Africa CDC’s broader mandate as the Public Health Agency of Africa, endorsed by the African Union Assembly. By securing direct financing, Africa CDC ensures that resources flow with speed, transparency, and impact — directly to where they are needed most: Member States and their communities.
