A recent analysis by The ONE Campaign has revealed a critical dependency in Africa’s vaccine supply chain: a mere 1.1 percent of the continent’s vaccines are produced domestically. In contrast, over half of the supply originates from Asia, with Europe contributing more than one-third.
The African Union, in collaboration with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), has set an ambitious target to locally manufacture 60 percent of the continent’s immunisation needs by 2040. This new analysis tracks the progress towards this goal, identifies key challenges, and proposes a six-point plan to accelerate vaccine sovereignty in Africa.
Key findings:
- An overwhelming 98.9 percent of Africa’s vaccine supply is sourced from outside the continent, exposing it to risks of supply chain disruptions and exacerbating vaccine inequality.
- In 2021, African leaders underscored the importance of vaccine sovereignty, aiming to produce 60 percent of the continent’s vaccines locally by 2040.
- Achieving this target necessitates the annual production of at least 1.5 billion doses on the continent by 2040, a staggering 73-fold increase from current levels.
‘By 2030, Africa will account for over one-third of global vaccine demand, making vaccine sovereignty not just a target, but a critical imperative for ensuring healthy lives across the continent,’ stated Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, President and CEO of The ONE Campaign. ‘The African Union’s 2040 goal to produce 60 percent of the required vaccines in Africa is a significant step forward. However, achieving vaccine sovereignty will not happen overnight. Comprehensive plans and clear commitments from visionary partners are essential. Through collaborative efforts, we can build trust across continents and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.’
International support and initiatives
ONE and its partner NGOs have called on France to reaffirm its support for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and to mobilise the international community to further reduce inequalities in access to immunization. Additionally, they welcome France’s initiative to co-organise the launch of the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA) alongside the African Union, in parallel with Gavi’s investment opportunity launch. This move underscores France’s commitment to promoting Africa’s health sovereignty, which must be accompanied by substantial financial commitments.
By aligning these efforts, stakeholders aim to pave the way for a more self-reliant and equitable vaccine distribution system across Africa, ensuring that future generations are better protected against health crises.
