The Ebola outbreak in the DRC highlights Africa’s need for greater pharmaceutical sovereignty. Reliable supplies of protective equipment and rapid diagnostics are essential, while the absence of a licensed Bundibugyo vaccine underscores dependence on external products.
Africa can strengthen resilience through local vaccine, diagnostic and medicine manufacturing, supported by technology transfer, research partnerships and clinical trials.
The Africa CDC’s pooled procurement mechanism could combine demand and provide manufacturers with predictable, multi-year orders, encouraging investment in production capacity.
Meanwhile, the African Medicines Agency is harmonising regulatory processes and supporting developers. Together, pooled purchasing, stronger regulation and sustained demand could build a more resilient African pharmaceutical industry. - Business Day · 6 November 2026