The European Union (EU) launched a €32 million Special Measure on Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines and Health Technologies in Africa (MAV+) to support the development of vaccine manufacturing and the pharmaceutical industry in Ghana.

This significant investment, launched during the Ghana-EU Business Forum, aims to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare sector and increase access to quality health products.

Through this initiative, the EU will support Ghana in establishing a thriving ecosystem able to produce the needed skilled workforce, strengthen research and development capacities, establish the necessary regulatory system (continuing to support the Food and Drugs and Authority), facilitate technology transfer and build bilateral and multilateral partnerships for vaccine and pharmaceutical production.

The EU’s support to local vaccine manufacturing in Ghana through MAV+ comes on top of the planned Joint Programming for 2021-2027, which shows the EU’s ability to adapt to rapidly emerging needs and trends, and its strong commitment to support and respond to high political priorities of the Government of Ghana.

The Deputy Director General, Directorate General of the European Commission, Myriam Ferran, said, “The European Union is committed to supporting Ghana's development goals, and this investment in vaccine manufacturing and pharma is a testament to our partnership; this programme will not only enhance Ghana's healthcare sector but also contribute to the growth of the country's economy."

Presidential Advisor on Health, Dr Anthony Nsiah-Asare, said, “We are working together with the
EU from the beginning of the President’s vision to make Ghana become a regional vaccine
manufacturing hub. A say a big thank you to EU for the incredible close collaboration.”

Since 2022, the EU has already started delivering on its promises, giving support to vaccine
manufacturing both at the private and public levels in Ghana.

Together with the German Development Cooperation, the EU launched a €3.1 million project aimed at enhancing the capacity of Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority.

This forms a crucial initiative to ensure that vaccines made in the country fulfil the quality standards to gain access to regional and global markets.

On the other hand, in 2023, through the European Investment Bank, the EU provided a €5 million
grant to DEK Vaccines Ltd, providing seed financing to support the construction of a fill-and-finish
vaccine manufacturing facility located at Medie in the Greater Accra region.