Title : Approaches towards developing and establishing a biomanufacturing research & development, and manufacturing industry in Zimbabwe: A review of the need, potential funding sources, policy development and implementation
Abstract:
Africa currently produces less than 1% of the vaccines the continent needs, with only a small number of African manufacturers involved. Despite the high burden of disease and a continuously growing population, the majority of African nations, including Zimbabwe, heavily rely on importing medicines from South Asia and Europe. The limited research and development in drug discovery and technology innovation has been identified as the primary cause of the stunted growth of the biomanufacturing industry in Africa. Most pharmaceutical companies in Africa are involved in the final stages of drug formulation and packaging, necessitating the need for technology transfer. This research identifies a significant deficit in biopharmaceutical research and development (R&D) and manufacturing capabilities across Africa, with a particular emphasis on Zimbabwe. Based on a comprehensive assessment of the current state of the medical research and development capacity, biomanufacturing training, and biopharmaceutical manufacturing infrastructure in Zimbabwe, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the country's biopharmaceutical industry. On the basis of this analysis, it proposes strategic approaches to establishing advanced biomanufacturing system within the country. A series of historical and current structural barriers to sustainable localisation of manufacturing capabilities have been identified. Key areas of investigation include potential funding mechanisms, strategic partnerships, human capital development, regulatory frameworks, and market analysis. By comprehensively analysing relevant factors, this research aims to develop a roadmap for establishing a sustainable biomanufacturing industry capable of addressing Zimbabwe's healthcare challenges. The development of a vaccine manufacturing capability is explored as a specific case study within this broader framework.
