Africa is taking cautious but important steps toward mass vaccine production, marking what could be a turning point for the continent’s healthcare future. For decades, Africa has relied heavily on imported vaccines, a dependence that became painfully clear during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the continent faced delays and shortages as wealthier countries secured most of the global supply.
In recent years, governments, regional blocs, and private investors have begun pushing for greater vaccine self-sufficiency. Countries such as South Africa, Senegal, Egypt, and Rwanda have launched initiatives to establish local manufacturing plants, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. Partnerships with global pharmaceutical companies have also been struck, with the goal of not just packaging vaccines but developing the capacity to produce them from start to finish.
Experts note, however, that Africa’s vaccine production journey is still in its infancy. Many facilities are currently limited to “fill and finish” operations — importing bulk vaccine doses and packaging them locally — rather than developing full-scale research, manufacturing, and distribution pipelines. Building a sustainable vaccine ecosystem requires significant investment in infrastructure, human capital, and regulatory systems.
The African Union has set a target for the continent to produce 60 percent of its vaccines domestically by 2040. Achieving this goal will require coordination between governments, regional health bodies, and international partners. Financing remains a major challenge, as many African manufacturers struggle to compete with established global giants that produce vaccines at scale and at lower costs.
Despite the hurdles, progress is visible. Rwanda recently inaugurated a state-of-the-art facility to produce mRNA vaccines, in collaboration with BioNTech. Senegal’s Institut Pasteur in Dakar is scaling up to become a hub for yellow fever and other vaccines. In South Africa, several biotech firms are working to expand their capacity beyond COVID-19 vaccines to cover diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria — illnesses that continue to place a heavy burden on the continent.
Public health advocates argue that building vaccine independence is not just about economics but about sovereignty and security. They warn that Africa cannot afford to be at the mercy of global supply chains in future pandemics or outbreaks. Local production, they say, will ensure quicker access, tailored vaccines for regional health needs, and greater resilience in emergencies.
While the path ahead is long and uncertain, Africa’s tentative start in mass vaccine production signals a shift in how the continent approaches healthcare. If sustained, it could help bridge the equity gap that has left millions vulnerable in times of crisis and pave the way for a healthier, more self-reliant Africa.
