President William Ruto has mobilised the adoption of the Presidential Declaration on Local Manufacturing of Health which will reaffirm Africa’s ambition to manufacture atleast 60% of health products.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 39th session of the African Union (AU) Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Ruto affirmed the need to have health products manufactured through local manufacturing by 2040.

“We are implementing a 40% local procurement requirement to reduce exposure to external shocks; we call on partners to support risk sharing and bridge financing mechanisms that can stabilise local manufacturing and commodity supply,” Ruto said.

Ruto further noted that local manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, diagnostics, and medical devices is a strategic pillar for Africa’s health security and sovereignty agenda.

Acknowledging the leadership of Africa CDC in advancing the Platform for Harmonised African Health Products Manufacturing and operationalising the African Pooled Procurement Mechanism (APPM);

He further declared his commitment to advancing local manufacturing of health products as a continental priority for health security and sovereignty

In addition, Ruto expressed his commitment to support the full operationalisation of the African Pooled Procurement Mechanism as a strategic “Buy African” tool through demand aggregation, market shaping, and long-term offtake arrangements in order to increase access to quality-assured health products and promote predictable and sustainable markets for African manufacturers.

At the event, the head of State also assured his commitment to mobilise sustainable and appropriate financing for local manufacturers, including the establishment of the APPM capital fund.

On the other hand, Ruto vowed to increase investments to enhance skills development, innovation and technology transfer through partnerships and operationalisation of the Africa CDC Regional Capacity and Capability Networks.

Ruto in Adis Ababa

President William Ruto departed on Friday afternoon, February 13, to participate in the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

In a statement by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, the African leaders will set priorities for the Continent amid global uncertainty and economic shifts. 

In particular, President Ruto will present a progress report on strengthening the Union’s effectiveness, credibility, and financial sustainability.

The Summit also provides opportunities for the Heads of State to advance bilateral ties in key sectors such as trade, investment, health and security. 

“On the margins of the Summit, President Ruto will hold bilateral engagements to advance partnerships in trade, investment, health, and security, and mobilise support for Kenya’s national transformation agenda, spanning infrastructure, agro-industrial development supported by expanded irrigation, and energy security,” the statement read in part.