Operationalizing African self-reliance in vaccine manufacturing

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored Africa's urgent need for vaccine security and self-reliance. In response, the African Union and Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established the Framework for Action (FFA) through the Platform for Harmonized African Health Products Manufacturing (PHAHM), with a goal of 60% local vaccine production by 2040. During 2024, Africa CDC, Karolinska Institutet, and Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin organized a seminar series to discuss advancing this agenda, including a multidisciplinary international expert panel. The series concluded that achieving this requires a comprehensive approach to addressing gaps in the ecosystem, including research and development (R&D), workforce development, technology transfer, regulatory systems, demand creation, and coordination. Strengthening R&D entails investment, capacity building, and equitable academic partnerships. A skilled workforce is essential, necessitating a coordinated approach through Regional Capability and Capacity Networks (RCCNs), training of vaccine manufacturing personnel, and academic programmes for sustainable workforce development. Technology transfer requires building trust between technology holders and recipients, alongside a supportive environment for knowledge exchange. Robust regulatory frameworks, including regional harmonization and strengthened National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs), are crucial for vaccine quality and safety, with the Africa Medicines Agency (AMA) providing oversight. Necessary market shaping through demand creation is achieved by advocating for procurement of locally produced vaccines, enhancing outreach for public trust, and operationalizing the African Pooled Procurement Mechanism (APPM). Coordination mechanisms are needed to optimize resource allocation, promote information sharing, and avoid redundancy. Strategic investments and policy support will be instrumental in achieving Africa's vaccine manufacturing aspirations and long-term health security.