BREAKING: AfDB, IFC, DFC invest $45m to boost vaccine production in Africa

The African Development Bank, International Finance Corporation, and a U S international Development Finance Corporation have partnered to invest $45m into vaccine production in Africa.

Indeed, the African continent is still heavily dependent on vaccine imports, producing only about 1 per cent of the vaccines it administers.

According to a statement obtained from AfDB’s website on Tuesday, the move is a significant effort to strengthen public health and improve vaccine access in Africa, pointing out that the investment will enhance the vaccine production capacity, support local supply chains, and establish a robust network for vaccine distribution in alignment with the African Union’s Vision 2040, which seeks to produce 60 per cent of the continent’s vaccine needs locally.

AfDB said the 45 million investment addresses critical gaps in global vaccine supply chains, paving the way for improved resilience against pandemics and preventable diseases, while also supporting several key development goals.

“These include African Union Vision 2040, a roadmap to reduce dependence on imported vaccine sources and build robust health systems, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3 on Good Health and Well-being), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure),” AfDB averred.

The director of non-sovereign operations and acting director of industrial and trade development, AfDB, Ousmane Fall, said AfDB is honoured to support the critical initiative, which aligns with its 2030 Vision and Action Plan for the Development of Africa’s Pharmaceutical Industry.

“It demonstrates our strong commitment to contribute to developing the maturity of the industry by scaling up local production capacities to increase the share and value of Africa’s pharmaceutical production,  support local manufacturers to serve national and regional health security needs,  mobilise global partners and resources to develop manufacturing capacity, skills, and technology transfer in Africa, and provide long term finance to help established vaccine manufacturers to diversify their product portfolio of vaccines and technologies,” he said.

The Managing Director, of IFC, Makhtar Diop, said “The partnership with the Institut Pasteur de Dakar demonstrates IFC’s commitment to strengthening Africa’s health infrastructure. By enabling local vaccine production, we are building a more resilient healthcare system to better address current and future challenges.”

The deputy director, of DFC, Nisha Biswal, said “DFC is proud to have supported IPD with a $15 million loan and an earlier $3 million technical assistance grant. These contributions enabled the construction of the MADIBA facility and the expansion of flexible vaccine manufacturing capacity. This facility will significantly enhance IPD’s ability to produce a variety of vaccines beyond its traditional focus on yellow fever vaccines. This partnership highlights our shared commitment to advancing global health and fostering innovative healthcare solutions. Together, we are paving the way for a healthier future, building on a century of scientific excellence and dedication to public health.”