By Monica Kayombo/Zambia/Lusaka
Africa is sharpening its push for health independence as the African Union ( AU) and the European Union ( EU) roll out over €100 million in new health initiatives under the Global Gateway, with vaccine manufacturing emerging as a critical priority.
Launched through the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention yesterday, the programmes are designed to strengthen health systems, improve disease surveillance, and expand digital health. But beyond the technical components, the message is clear: Africa must reduce its reliance on external supply chains and take control of its own health security.
European Union Commissioner Jozef Síkela stressed that resilient health systems are central to global stability, noting that stronger systems enhance the ability to detect and respond to outbreaks. His remarks underscore a key lesson from recent pandemics countries without manufacturing capacity are left exposed when global demand surges.
Director-General of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention ( Africa CDC), Dr Jean Kaseya, highlighted that the partnership is translating commitments into action, supporting Africa’s ambition to build resilient systems and finance its own health priorities. Central to that ambition is the continent’s capacity to produce vaccines locally.
The implications are far-reaching. Local vaccine manufacturing would not only ensure faster and more equitable access during health emergencies, but also reduce dependency on imports, stabilise supply chains, and strengthen Africa’s bargaining power in global health. It would mark a shift from vulnerability to self-reliance where Africa is no longer in line during crises.
The initiatives will support national public health institutes, strengthen laboratory and research capacity, and promote a One Health approach to tackle threats such as antimicrobial resistance. Digital health expansion is also expected to improve early warning systems and pandemic preparedness across the continent.
At its core, the AU-EU partnership signals a strategic pivot: investing in systems that make vaccine production, distribution, and response more locally driven. For Africa, the move is not just about preparedness—it is about sovereignty.
The Global Gateway is the European Union’s framework for sustainable development partnerships, with Africa identified as a key region for investment, particularly in strengthening healthcare systems and long-term resilience.
This is according to a joint statement released yesterday by the EU delegation to the AU Rita Fortunato Baptista, Michele Rizzi and Africa CDC Director of Communication and Public Information Margaret Muigai Edwin.
