The Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) welcomes Unitaid’s landmark investment to strengthen African health manufacturing and regional production of essential diagnostics and medicines. This initiative will enhance local capacity for HIV, malaria, and maternal health products, contributing to more resilient and equitable health systems across the continent.

As part of this package, MPP will receive US$1.5 million to support the Medicines Supply Resilience (MedSuRe) Africa project, led by the US Pharmacopeia (USP). MPP’s contribution will include licensing activities, expanding regional manufacturing capabilities for quality-assured medicines, and leading selected pandemic preparedness efforts.

“Strengthening regional manufacturing is key to ensuring sustainable access to quality-assured medicines,” said Charles Gore, Executive Director of MPP. “By supporting African manufacturers and health institutions, we are empowering communities to build sustainable solutions that reduce reliance on distant suppliers.”

MPP will collaborate closely with USP and consortium partners to ensure this investment fosters a robust regional manufacturing network in Africa—reaching the communities that need it most and advancing equitable access to life-saving treatments.

 


Why African Health Manufacturing Matters

Afrigen | African Health manufacturing

Building strong regional manufacturing in Africa is key to creating more resilient and equitable health systems. By producing medicines and health technologies closer to where they are needed, countries can:

  • Reduce dependency on distant suppliers which can have delivery disruptions and improve security of supply chains (MedAccess, 2024).

  • Respond faster to health crises such as pandemics by having local capacity in place (USP, 2024).

  • Improve affordability, with local production helping to lower costs and increase access for patients (USP, 2024).

The Challenges Ahead

Despite its promise, regional manufacturing in Africa faces significant hurdles. Many manufacturers rely on imported raw materials and antigens, have limited end-to-end infrastructure, and face uncertain demand that can hold back investment and growth.

Key facts:

  • Africa represents 25% of global vaccine demand, yet only 1% of vaccines used on the continent are produced locally

  • 3% of all medicines Africa uses are produced in Africa (MedAccess, 2024)

  • Of 11 African vaccine manufacturers, 10 only have fill/finish capacity, while just 2 countries (South Africa and Senegal) operate end-to-end manufacturing

  • Supply chain dependence and limited infrastructure were major barriers during the COVID-19 pandemic, delaying vaccine access

  • 60% by 2040 is Africa’s target to locally manufacture its routine vaccine needs (MedAccess, 2024)

Other Sources (Doua et al., 2025)

These structural challenges underline why targeted investments, technology transfer, and regulatory strengthening are essential to make regional health manufacturing sustainable.


That is why partnerships are so important. Initiatives such as Unitaid’s investment to African health manufacturing and MPP’s licensing expertise help build capacity, strengthen local production networks, and support long-term sustainability.

Together with regional and global partners, these efforts are helping ensure that lifesaving medicines and diagnostics are accessible, affordable, and produced closer to the communities that need them most.

Learn more about MPP & Reach out to us here