COVID-19 exposed Africa's pharmaceutical manufacturing vulnerability: receiving less than 2 percent of initial vaccine doses despite having 17 percent of the world's population. The continent's manufacturing response has been the most significant in its history. The African Union's 60 percent domestic vaccine production target by 2040 is being supported by BioNTech mRNA hub investments in Rwanda, Senegal, and South Africa, breaking ground 2022 to 2023. Aspen Pharmacare produced Johnson and Johnson COVID vaccines under technology transfer, demonstrating continental manufacturing capability. Total pharmaceutical manufacturing investment commitments since 2021 exceed $3 billion.
Generics Manufacturing
South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, and Nigeria have significant generics manufacturing sectors producing essential medicines for domestic and regional markets. AfCFTA's pharmaceutical annex, which aims to harmonise regulatory approvals and mutual recognition of medicine registration, could allow a medicine approved in one AfCFTA country to circulate across the continent without country-by-country registration. Pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare procurement contacts across Africa are listed on intra-africa.com.
For businesses looking to expand across Africa, intra-africa.com offers a comprehensive trade directory, verified buyer and seller listings, and real-time market intelligence covering all 54 African nations. It remains an indispensable resource for anyone serious about intra-African commerce.