World Bank Backs Africa’s Push to Cut Reliance on Imported Medicines

The World Bank Group has thrown its weight behind Africa’s efforts to reduce dependence on imported medicines, in a move expected to strengthen healthcare systems and boost local manufacturing across the continent.

Africa currently carries nearly a quarter of the global disease burden yet imports over 70 percent of its medicines, exposing millions to shortages, high costs, and supply chain disruptions. 

This imbalance has particularly affected vulnerable populations, including patients in countries like South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya.

Through the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, African leaders have set a target to achieve vaccine sovereignty by 2040, aiming to produce at least 60 percent of vaccines locally. 

The initiative gained urgency following supply challenges experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The World Bank’s private sector arm, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), is supporting this goal through financing and partnerships. 

A key collaboration involves Aspen Pharmacare, with billions invested to strengthen vaccine production and expand access to essential medicines.

In Kenya, efforts to build local pharmaceutical capacity are gaining momentum. The country currently imports about 70 percent of its medicines, with local production meeting only a fraction of demand. 

The government now aims to produce at least half of the medicines on its essential list locally by 2026, with broader self-sufficiency targeted by 2028.

Key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health and the Kenya Investment Authority, have been working to attract investment, improve regulations, and enhance skills development within the sector.

Progress is also underway at the Kenya BioVax Institute, where plans are in place to manufacture vaccines, insulin, cancer drugs, and other critical medical supplies locally by 2027.

Despite these gains, challenges such as counterfeit drugs, limited financing, and regulatory gaps remain. 

However, increased collaboration between governments, private investors, and global institutions signals a promising path toward a more self-reliant and resilient healthcare system in Africa.