Reflection: Charting Africa's Path to Vaccine Self-Reliance
As we launched the CHReaD Conversations series with “Rethinking Access: Perspectives on Local Vaccine Production in Africa,” our fire was ignited by both the urgency and optimism that permeated our discussions on April 30th.
Dr. Njuguna’s stark reality check—Kenya importing 80% of its essential medicines—reminded us why this conversation matters. Yet what emerged wasn’t despair, but a clear roadmap for transformation. His policy prescriptions around VAT exemptions and regulatory fast-tracking represent the kind of pragmatic thinking that can unlock Kenya’s manufacturing potential.
The Kenya Biovax Institute exemplifies this potential in action. Dr. Kenyanya’s timeline, fill-and-finish operations by 2027, and full manufacturing within a decade which may seem ambitious, but it reflects the patient capital and sustained political will required for genuine health sovereignty. The $70-100 million investment needed is substantial, yet modest compared to the continent’s annual vaccine import bills.
Mutana’s insight resonated deeply: “African production isn’t competition, it’s about filling 30 million-plus unmet vaccine needs.” This reframes the narrative from zero-sum thinking to addressing genuine gaps in global supply chains. His emphasis on AfCFTA as an enabler for regional procurement harmonization points to the infrastructure already available for continental coordination.
Gloria’s call for Lusaka Agenda alignment underscores a critical point: scattered efforts, however well-intentioned, cannot achieve the scale transformation we need. Multi-sector collaboration isn’t just beneficial, it’s essential for sustainability.
The participants questions revealed an understanding of the challenges ahead. Concerns about quality, timelines, and public confidence reflect mature engagement with the complexities of local production. These aren’t obstacles but design considerations for robust manufacturing ecosystems.
As CHReaD, this webinar reinforced our role as convenors and advocates. The proposed actions from policy reform to human capital development require sustained advocacy and evidence-based dialogue. Subsequent conversations must dive deeper into financing mechanisms, regulatory harmonization, and demand generation strategies.
Africa’s vaccine future isn’t just about production capacity, it’s about reimagining health security through indigenous innovation and regional solidarity.
Download the full report or contact the Communications and Advocacy Officer on samuel.makau@amref.org
