The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) says at least three African vaccine manufacturers are expected to produce and secure World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification for eight vaccines to supply the continental market and beyond between 2025 and 2030, according to a recent survey.
The survey also revealed that Africa’s manufacturing landscape includes 574 identified manufacturers across the continent, with 25 dedicated to vaccine production, 10 of which already have installed capacity.
To accelerate Africa’s capacity to produce its own vaccines and other health products, the Africa CDC has established Regional Capability and Capacity Networks (RCCNs) to drive skills development, workforce training, and research and development (R&D).
“Africa faces three main challenges in its effort to develop the required workforce: insufficient relevant educational programs, brain drain, and fragmented funding,” said Dr. Chiluba Mwila, Talent Development Lead for Africa CDC’s Platform for Harmonised African Health Manufacturing (PHAHM).
One of the biggest hurdles has been the lack of hands-on learning opportunities, such as internships and structured workplace training. To bridge this gap, the RCCNs will expand training programs in biomanufacturing, R&D, and regulatory affairs, aligning with Africa CDC’s Vaccine R&D and Vaccine Manufacturing Competency Frameworks.
Dr. Abebe Genetu Bayih, PHAHM Coordinator, emphasized the importance of a strategic approach: “Our goal is to create an enabling environment where Africa CDC and its partners can support training and workforce development initiatives in a coordinated and sustainable manner.”
Vaccine demand across Africa is projected to rise from 1.4 billion doses to over 2.1 billion doses by 2040, according to recent projections. This surge is being driven by key policy decisions from the African Union Heads of State and Government, aimed at strengthening local manufacturing.
“The expansion of the Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM) now includes not just vaccines but also medicines, diagnostics, and other health products,” an official statement noted.
Moreover, global donors and development finance institutions have committed over $3.5 billion, including a $2 billion pledge from Cairo-based Afreximbank, to boost Africa’s health product manufacturing sector.