EU Contribution to the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA)

The European Union and its Member States have announced a contribution of more than €750 million to the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA). The initiative will support the growth of vaccine production in Africa and contribute to the African Union’s ambition to produce most of the vaccines intended for the African market.

AVMA will contribute to the existing Team Europe initiative on Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines and Health Technologies in Africa (MAV+). MAV+ adopts a 360-degree approach to reducing barriers on both the demand and supply sides, with the aim of creating an enabling environment for local production in Africa. To achieve the shared development objectives and geopolitical priorities of the EU and the African Union, it is essential to support access to essential health products and technologies.

The initiative may stimulate economic growth and the creation of decent jobs, facilitate trade, diversify global value chains, promote private-sector engagement and strengthen health, scientific and diplomatic ties with partner countries, while also supporting universal health coverage and broader human development and public health objectives.

On the supply side, together with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and development banks, the Team Europe Initiatives (TEI) provide incentives and reduce investment risks for local pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. On the demand side, the TEI works with African leaders and partners to address the fragmentation of local markets, help consolidate demand, facilitate market integration and promote the use of locally manufactured products.

As regards the creation of an enabling environment, the initiative will address the threat of substandard and falsified products and increase confidence in local products by strengthening regulatory frameworks. It also supports technology transfer, including through multilateral initiatives, in particular the WHO mRNA technology transfer hub and its manufacturers.

These three key dimensions revolve around six workstreams:

industrial development, supply chains and the private sector
market shaping, demand and trade facilitation
regulatory strengthening
technology transfer and intellectual property management
access to finance
research and development (R&D), higher education and skills

Sources:

https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_3262
https://international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu/policies/team-europe-initiatives/team-europe-initiative-manufacturing-and-access-vaccines-medicines-and-health-technologies-africa_en