Friday, 15th March 2025
By InAfrika Reporter
In the wake of vaccine inequity experienced during COVID-19, African nations are determined to build local vaccine production capacity. By early 2025, at least 15 vaccine manufacturing initiatives are underway across the continent. Senegal’s Institut Pasteur in Dakar is expanding facilities to produce up to 300 million doses of various vaccines (yellow fever, COVID-19 mRNA, etc.) annually by 2025–2026, supported by partnerships with the EU and US.
South Africa’s Aspen Pharmacare has begun producing routine vaccines (and previously, J&J COVID vaccines), and a groundbreaking consortium in Cape Town is developing Africa’s own mRNA vaccine based on Moderna’s, with clinical trials set for 2025.
Egypt and Morocco have struck deals with China’s Sinopharm and Russia’s Sputnik to fill-finish COVID vaccines locally, with plans to extend to other vaccines. The African Union’s goal is for the continent to produce 60% of its vaccine needs by 2040 (up from under 1% pre-pandemic). While challenges like regulatory frameworks and skilled workforce remain, the momentum is unprecedented. These efforts not only prepare Africa better for future pandemics but also promise improved supply of routine immunizations (for diseases like measles and HPV), strengthening health security and independence. Sources: Africa CDC, Reuters
French 
English 
Swahili 
Portuguese 
Chinese