Three years after the COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical weaknesses in global health supply chains, the push for regional vaccine self-reliance is failing to gain sufficient traction, with Africa currently producing just one per cent of its required supply.
In comments released to coincide with the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Frederik Kristensen, Managing Director of the Regionalised Vaccine Manufacturing Collaborative (RVMC), warned that the initiative remains in a fragile “formative phase”.
“The journey toward regionalised vaccine manufacturing (RVM) remains in its early stages,” Kristensen said. “Achieving this new model of vaccine supply will require long-term commitment, sustained investment, and coordinated action.”
A benchmark for failure
The RVMC, founded by the World Economic Forum and partners including the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), highlighted findings from its Status Report and Dashboard, originally launched in November 2025, to track progress.
The data reveals a stark global divide. While manufacturers in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meet 29 per cent of regional demand and manufacturers in Latin America cover 25 per cent, Africa lags significantly behind at just one per cent.
“Despite strong political commitment and growing investment, no region has yet put in place all the elements needed to fully establish and sustain RVM,” Kristensen stated.
He noted that a recent World Health Organisation report confirms that no country is currently entirely supplied by regional production. Most manufacturers continue to rely on traditional platforms, while access to modern technologies remains restricted primarily to the US and Europe.
Three pillars for survival
To break this deadlock, Kristensen outlined three “practical conditions” that must be met to turn political promises into manufacturing reality.
First, investors need predictable demand. He urged countries to “safeguard their budgets” for procuring vaccines from qualified regional producers.
“Clear purchasing commitments, supportive legislation and regional financing mechanisms can anchor demand, reduce risk and attract private capital,” he explained.
Second, regulatory frameworks must be harmonised. Currently, fragmented systems force manufacturers to seek approval country by country, driving up costs and slowing time-to-market.
Finally, regions require broader access to modern technology platforms. Without this, local manufacturers remain unable to pivot quickly during outbreaks or meet routine immunisation needs.
History proves it is possible
Despite the gloomy current outlook, Kristensen pointed to historical success stories as proof that the model can work.
He cited Indonesia’s Bio Farma and Brazil’s Butantan and Bio-Manguinhos as institutions built through decades of public investment, alongside India’s Serum Institute, which became a global supplier through “catalytic donor support”.
“No ecosystem develops by accident – it requires deliberate planning, long-term commitment and engagement,” Kristensen concluded. “The expertise and political will exist. Now is the time to act.”
