Source: APO
UNAIDS, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Global Health Innovation Institute (GHII) have brought together the Government of South Africa, the Government of China, Chinese pharmaceutical companies and regional and global partners in a major new collaboration to strengthen pharmaceutical manufacturing across Southern Africa.
The partnership, developed through sustained engagement led by UNAIDS, is being advanced this week through a SADC-China strategic exchange taking place from 31 August to 4 September 2026 in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. By applying lessons from the HIV response, it brings together governments, pharmaceutical manufacturers, research institutions, financial and development partners and health experts to explore how stronger partnerships can accelerate regional production of medicines, diagnostics and health technologies.
“Strengthening pharmaceutical manufacturing is about much more than producing medicines. It is about African countries having greater control over the health products their people depend on including for HIV, while building the skills, investment, technology and systems needed for long-term health security,” said Anne Githuku-Shongwe, UNAIDS Regional Director for East and Southern Africa
The exchange comes at a time when health security, resilient supply chains and sustainable access to essential medicines are priorities across Africa. For Southern Africa, strengthening regional manufacturing capacity offers an opportunity to reduce vulnerability to external supply disruptions while supporting innovation, skills development, investment and economic growth.
“Health security requires the capacity to produce. Our partnership with China can help connect African manufacturing capability with the investment, technology and skills needed to strengthen regional pharmaceutical production,” said Dr Lamboly Kumboneki, SADC Secretariat.
Building regional manufacturing capacity
A key focus of the exchange will be how a China-Africa collaboration can help unlock technology transfer, investment, manufacturing expertise and innovation to strengthen African pharmaceutical production.
The programme will include high level policy discussions with government and regulatory stakeholders, engagement with development and financing partners, and visits to pharmaceutical manufacturing and research facilities in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.
Discussions will explore expanding investment and technology transfer; improving market intelligence, demand visibility and regulatory readiness; strengthening pooled procurement and health commodity security; and identifying practical opportunities for deeper Africa–China collaboration on pharmaceutical manufacturing.
“China’s healthcare industry has grown and matured significantly over the last few decades, and companies are looking for opportunities beyond, globally. Africa is the market of the future. Being here has shown us the willingness and readiness of South African companies and policy makers. I believe this is a perfect opportunity to bring accessible health products through a mutually beneficial partnership” said Gary Yang, Head of Business Development and Innovation, GHII
At the conclusion of the exchange, partners will identify priority opportunities and practical next steps to strengthen regional pharmaceutical manufacturing and health commodity security.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).