Global Partners Invest $45 Million to Transform Vaccine Production and Access in Africa

DAKAR, Senegal, December 18, 2024 – In a pivotal move to strengthen public health and improve vaccine access across Africa, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) have announced a $45 million financing package for VaxSen, a subsidiary of Senegal’s Institut Pasteur de Dakar (IPD). The financing agreement, signed on December 13, 2024, in Dakar with the presence of Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, highlights Senegal’s leadership in advancing regional public health initiatives.

This investment will enhance vaccine production capacity, support local supply chains, and establish a robust network for vaccine distribution, all in line with the African Union’s Vision 2040, which aims to enable the continent to locally produce 60% of its vaccine needs. The project is also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on health, economic growth, and infrastructure.

The collaboration between these global partners marks a major step toward vaccine sovereignty in Africa. With the funding, IPD’s MADIBA facility will be expanded, allowing the production of a variety of vaccines beyond the traditional focus on yellow fever. The partnership’s impact will be far-reaching, providing sustainable vaccine solutions to underserved communities, enhancing healthcare infrastructure, and improving resilience to future health crises.

Dr. Daniel Schroth, Director of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency at the African Development Bank, expressed his support for the initiative, stating that it would enhance local production capacities and promote health security across the region. He emphasized that the Bank’s involvement reflects its ongoing commitment to developing Africa’s pharmaceutical industry and improving regional healthcare systems.

Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation, praised the partnership for its potential to strengthen Africa’s healthcare systems, making them more resilient to both current and future challenges. The funding will significantly boost Africa’s ability to address health needs locally, ultimately ensuring that more people have access to life-saving vaccines.

Nisha Biswal, Deputy Director of DFC, highlighted that the funding would enhance IPD’s capacity to produce flexible vaccines at a larger scale. “This facility will transform vaccine production in Africa, ensuring that vaccines are accessible to more populations and contributing to the continent’s public health goals,” Biswal said.

Dr. Amadou Sall, CEO of IPD, noted that the investment is a significant step toward Africa’s vaccine sovereignty, ensuring equitable access to life-saving solutions for all. He emphasized that this partnership illustrates the power of collaboration in transforming Africa’s health systems.

VaxSen’s CEO, Assietou Diouf, spoke about the company’s commitment to addressing health equity challenges in Africa. “This financing marks a pivotal moment in delivering sustainable vaccine access across the continent. Together with our partners, we are moving closer to making a meaningful impact on public health,” Diouf said.

This investment marks a transformative milestone for Africa’s healthcare landscape. By strengthening local vaccine production and supporting the expansion of the continent’s health infrastructure, the partners are ensuring that millions more people across Africa will have access to the life-saving vaccines they need. This collaboration not only helps address current public health challenges but also lays the foundation for a more resilient, self-sufficient healthcare system in Africa for years to come.