European Union, BMZ invest €33 million to transform Ghana's pharmaceutical sector

The European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) have organised the inaugural steering committee meeting of the project "Strengthening the Ghanaian Pharmaceutical Sector with a focus on Vaccine Production" (PharmaVax Ghana Programme).

The €33 million project, funded by the EU, the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and implemented by GIZ, is committed to helping Ghana emerge as a regional hub for vaccine and pharmaceutical production. It will also strengthen health systems, enhance local capabilities, and contribute to global equity in medicines and vaccines.

Speaking at the meeting, EU Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly, said PharmaVax is embedded in the Team Europe Initiative on Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines, and Health Technologies (MAV+), which is a direct call from African leaders for greater self-reliance in vaccine production.

With over €1.3 billion mobilised in grants and loans across more than 80 projects, Mr. Razaaly said MAV+ takes a 360-degree approach to strengthening supply, boosting demand, and fostering the enabling environment needed for success.

"Ghana has made notable progress with initiatives such as the roadmap for vaccine development, the National Vaccine Institute, and strengthening its FDA; however, challenges remain, including achieving WHO production standards, building market trust, and transitioning from Gavi support by 2029," he emphasised.

According to him, PharmaVax is a holistic project and "by investing in skilled workforce training, promoting research and technology transfers, and strengthening regulatory frameworks, it will not only ensure the production of high-quality medicines but will create crucial conditions for Ghanaian-made products to gain trust in both regional and global markets."

He then highlighted the significance of the steering committee meeting, saying it is a step toward a shared vision of transforming Ghana's and Africa's pharmaceutical landscape.

Head of Development Cooperation, German Embassy, Accra, Franziska Jebens, said Germany has long valued its development cooperation with Ghana, which is aimed at supporting the country in achieving economic transformation towards broad-based, sustainable, and diverse growth.

According to her, their shared vision is to strengthen key enablers for efficient and sustainable vaccine and pharmaceutical manufacturing while also contributing to Ghana's economic development.

Country Director of GIZ Ghana, Dr. Dirk Abmann, said PharmaVax Ghana is a testament to their shared commitment to empower local manufacturers, advance research, establish rigorous regulatory standards, and position Ghana as a leader in African pharmaceutical production.