As part of their ongoing efforts to strengthen public health and improve access to vaccines in Africa, the U.S. Development Finance Corporation (DFC), the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) announced a joint financing of million to VaxSen, the vaccine production and marketing entity of the Pasteur Institute of Dakar (IPD) in Senegal.

The agreement, signed on December 13, 2024, in Dakar, in the presence of Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, marks a turning point for Senegal, a leader in advancing the shared public health goals of the three institutions. This ambitious investment will strengthen vaccine production capacity, support local supply chains, and establish a strong network for the commercialization of vaccines. It also aligns with the African Union’s 2040 Vision, which aims to produce 60% of the continent's vaccine needs locally.

This million financing agreement represents a strategic collaboration to tackle a major challenge: bridging the global vaccine shortages. It aims to strengthen Africa’s resilience to pandemics and preventable diseases while supporting the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 on health and well-being, SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth, and SDG 9 on industry, innovation, and infrastructure.

The initiative involves several key players:

• Pasteur Institute of Dakar (IPD): A major vaccine producer in Africa with a long tradition of health innovation.
• African Development Bank (AfDB): Supports regional development and the continent’s self-sufficiency.
• International Finance Corporation (IFC): Promotes private-sector solutions to global health challenges.
• U.S. Development Finance Corporation (DFC): Positioned as a key partner in Africa's financing of development.

The funding will be used to expand production within the state-of-the-art "Project Madiba" facility of the IPD, while generating jobs and stimulating local economic growth.

Towards Vaccine Sovereignty in Africa

Ousmane Fall, Director of Non-Sovereign Operations at the African Development Bank, emphasized: “This partnership aligns with our Vision 2030 and Action Plan for the development of Africa’s pharmaceutical industry, aiming to reduce dependence on vaccine imports and enhance the continent's health security.”

Makhtar Diop, IFC’s CEO, added: “By facilitating local vaccine production, we are helping to build a more resilient African health system.”

Nisha Biswal, Deputy Director of the DFC, noted that the prior million financing to the IPD helped build the Madiba facility, increasing vaccine manufacturing capacity.

Dr. Amadou Sall, Director General of the Pasteur Institute of Dakar, concluded: “This partnership brings us closer to vaccine sovereignty, ensuring every African has access to vital solutions.”

Assietou Diouf, CEO of VaxSen, emphasized: “This funding marks a turning point in equitable access to vaccines, addressing public health challenges in Africa.”

This historic investment is much more than a financial contribution; it represents a new era for vaccine production in Africa, strengthening local capacities and offering a sustainable solution to the continent’s health challenges.