The ambitious drive toward pharmaceutical sovereignty in Senegal has reached a critical juncture. Although technical preparations for vaccine production in Diamniadio are largely complete, a significant funding gap now threatens to stall the final phase of the project led by the Institut Pasteur de Dakar (IPD).
Technical Readiness and the Yellow Fever Priority
A recent visit by a delegation from the Ministry of Health, including Secretary General Serigne Mbaye, confirmed that progress at the Diamniadio production sites is satisfactory. The project, which gained momentum following the Covid-19 pandemic, is now positioned to scale up operations.
The IPD has prioritized the relaunch of yellow fever vaccine production, a process that had been halted since 2019. According to the IPD’s general administrator, resuming this specific production is essential for the institution’s credibility before expanding into other products.
Scaling Production: From AfricAmaril to Madiba
The next phase involves a transfer to the AfricAmaril project in Diamniadio. This transition could observe production capacity surge from 5 million doses per year in Dakar to 50 million doses annually, potentially covering the entire needs of the African continent.
Beyond AfricAmaril, the “Madiba” project represents an even larger ambition. Youssouph Baldé, the project lead, stated that they are targeting the production of 300 million doses per year by 2030, focusing on vaccines for rubella and measles.
The timeline for Project Madiba suggests that the production of active substances could begin in the third quarter of 2028, with finished products expected by the fourth quarter of 2030. The IPD is developing rapid diagnostic tests for measles, which are already seeing demand from countries outside of Africa.
The Financial “Match” and European Support
Despite finalized buildings and recruited personnel, Patrick Eloundou, the production lead, warns that a complementary funding amount of 9 million euros is required to trigger full production. This investment could potentially generate 25 million euros in revenue within 18 months.
European partners have already shown significant commitment, with “Team Europe” providing over 150 million euros since 2021. A representative of the European delegation noted that 30 million euros are available through the European Investment Bank (BEI).
However, the release of these BEI funds may depend on the Ministry of Health ensuring the amount is included in the next amended finance law.
Market Challenges and Industrial Protection
Production capacity is only one part of the equation; market absorption remains a concern. Data shows that local manufacturers accounted for 16.24% of Sen-PNA purchases in 2023, with a slight decline to 14% projected for 2025. The target for 2026 is to reach 20%.
Monsieur Gueye, president of the national federation of industrials, has urged the implementation of protective barriers against imports. He noted that the previous departures of companies like Pfizer and Sanofi highlight the need for structural solutions to ensure a strong, sustainable local industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the immediate financial obstacle facing the IPD?
The project requires a complementary funding amount of 9 million euros to begin full production and maintain its current planning schedule.
What are the production goals for Project Madiba?
Project Madiba aims to produce 300 million doses per year by 2030, with a focus on vaccines for measles and rubella.
How does the AfricAmaril project change production capacity?
It is expected to increase production from the current 5 million doses per year in Dakar to 50 million doses per year in Diamniadio.
Do you believe local market protections are necessary for African nations to achieve true pharmaceutical independence?
