Medical Industries in Africa: A Regional Response to Supply Shortages (en)

COVID-19 has severely strained the supply of certain healthcare products. This report shows that Africa can position itself strategically and develop a regional response to avert future shortages of such products.

Supporting health and positioning the continent strategically in the future trade landscape of the global medical industry are compatible objectives. Opening markets, diversifying supply and reinforcing regional value chains to combat COVID-19 would build resilience to future pandemics and help Africa become a competitive supplier of certain health-related goods. The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) has a vital role to play in supporting these value chains.