Technological Challenges and Recommendations for Vaccine Manufacturing in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Qualitative Study of Vaccine and Pharmaceutical Stakeholders’ perspectives
1
Evidence Generation, Afya na Haki, Gayaza Nakwero, Uganda
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed deep inequalities in vaccine distribution, with African countries facing substantial disadvantages compared with wealthier nations, a situation shaped by historical and ongoing colonial influences. These gaps underscore the urgent importance of developing local vaccine production capacity in Africa. In response, the African Union introduced the Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing initiative, aiming for the continent to produce 60% of its vaccines domestically by 2040. Several countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Tunisia, and Senegal, have begun investing in vaccine manufacturing, yet significant obstacles remain. This study examines the technological and structural challenges confronting African vaccine and pharmaceutical stakeholders and documents their strategies for overcoming these issues.
METHODS:
The research combined a comprehensive review of existing literature on vaccine and pharmaceutical manufacturing in Africa with ten key informant interviews across Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Malawi. Participants were purposefully selected based on their recognised expertise and active roles in the sector. Interviews were conducted both face-to-face and online, and the data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and insights.
RESULTS:
Participants reported a range of barriers, including elevated production costs, complicated regulatory systems, limited technology transfer, weak government engagement, insufficient infrastructure, and gaps in technical expertise. They suggested a variety of solutions, such as developing equitable partnerships with international stakeholders, enhancing regional cooperation, building capacity from foundational levels, increasing public investment, and prioritising training and education to strengthen the workforce in vaccine and pharmaceutical production.
CONCLUSIONS:
Establishing a resilient and technologically advanced vaccine manufacturing ecosystem in Africa requires coordinated strategies that address systemic constraints. Enhancing local production capacity can help the continent achieve greater vaccine independence, improve access to essential immunisations, and bolster global health security.
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed deep inequalities in vaccine distribution, with African countries facing substantial disadvantages compared with wealthier nations, a situation shaped by historical and ongoing colonial influences. These gaps underscore the urgent importance of developing local vaccine production capacity in Africa. In response, the African Union introduced the Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing initiative, aiming for the continent to produce 60% of its vaccines domestically by 2040. Several countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Tunisia, and Senegal, have begun investing in vaccine manufacturing, yet significant obstacles remain. This study examines the technological and structural challenges confronting African vaccine and pharmaceutical stakeholders and documents their strategies for overcoming these issues.
METHODS:
The research combined a comprehensive review of existing literature on vaccine and pharmaceutical manufacturing in Africa with ten key informant interviews across Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Malawi. Participants were purposefully selected based on their recognised expertise and active roles in the sector. Interviews were conducted both face-to-face and online, and the data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and insights.
RESULTS:
Participants reported a range of barriers, including elevated production costs, complicated regulatory systems, limited technology transfer, weak government engagement, insufficient infrastructure, and gaps in technical expertise. They suggested a variety of solutions, such as developing equitable partnerships with international stakeholders, enhancing regional cooperation, building capacity from foundational levels, increasing public investment, and prioritising training and education to strengthen the workforce in vaccine and pharmaceutical production.
CONCLUSIONS:
Establishing a resilient and technologically advanced vaccine manufacturing ecosystem in Africa requires coordinated strategies that address systemic constraints. Enhancing local production capacity can help the continent achieve greater vaccine independence, improve access to essential immunisations, and bolster global health security.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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