WHO-Endorsed Progress Positions Ethiopia as Vaccine Hub, Envoy Tells Africa Summit

Ethiopia has been spotlighted as one of Africa’s emerging leaders in local vaccine production, earning formal recognition from the World Health Organization (WHO) for its rapid progress and regulatory readiness.

Speaking during a high-level panel at the Africa Health Summit in Kampala, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu, detailed the strategic steps that have positioned Ethiopia as a key player in the continent’s push for health sovereignty.

The Ambassador noted that the WHO has acknowledged Ethiopia’s significant milestone as the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA) advances the regulatory reforms required to support robust vaccine manufacturing.

Ambassador Etsegenet said Ethiopia’s progress is anchored in deliberate government investment and a clear national strategy to grow the pharmaceutical sector.

Central to this approach is the establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) focused on pharmaceutical production. She highlighted the Kilinto Industrial Park, located 25 km outside Addis Ababa, as a dedicated hub for pharmaceutical industries.

The Park features:

• A state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant,

• Reliable water supply,

• Dedicated power substations, and

• An integrated infrastructure tailored for vaccine and drug manufacturing.

Ethiopia also established SHIELDVax, a state-owned enterprise launched in 2023 to lead local vaccine production and coordinate national efforts.

“This strategy not only benefits Ethiopia but also advances Africa CDC’s vision for local vaccine manufacturing across the continent,” the Ambassador told the Summit.

She emphasized Ethiopia’s proactive partnerships with Africa CDC, IGAD, UNOPS, the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), and AHRI, which have provided critical technical and operational support.

Targeted WHO training and Africa CDC fellowship programmes have further strengthened Ethiopia’s workforce and regulatory expertise, enabling the country to meet global standards in vaccine production.

Ethiopia’s achievement comes as Africa works toward producing 60% of its vaccine needs by 2040. Ambassador Etsegenet noted that Ethiopia’s advancement is not only a national success story but also a major contribution to Africa’s broader agenda of reducing external dependency and building resilient health systems.

The Africa Health Summit continues to highlight such breakthroughs as the continent charts a new path toward innovation, dignity, and self-reliance in public health.