EMPOWERING AFRICA’S COUNTRIES FOR GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS

PAMA Editorial: Strengthening Africa’s Manufacturing Amid Global Economic Turbulence and Internal Crisis

As Africa navigates the complexities of global trade disruptions, economic uncertainties, and increasing geopolitical tensions, one truth remains evident: the continent must take charge of its industrial destiny, according to the Editorial Board, PAMA Manufacturing Global News Bulletin. This February edition of The Pan-African Manufacturers Association (PAMA) Monthly Bulletin underscores the urgency of prioritizing Made-in-Africa products, advancing local manufacturing, and tackling key challenges such as insecurity and economic vulnerabilities that continue to threaten the sector’s stability.

1.0 Buy Africa, Build Africa: A Call to Action

The resurgence of protectionist policies, epitomized by the U.S.’s “America First” agenda and escalating global tariff wars, has exposed Africa’s overreliance on imported goods. This dependence risks turning the continent into a dumping ground for substandard products while stifling local industries. As detailed in our lead article, “Buy Africa, Build Africa,” the solution lies in a collective shift toward prioritizing Made-in-Africa goods. The call for patronizing locally manufactured goods is not merely an economic aspiration—it is a necessity for survival.  This edition provides essential policy highlights, from continent-wide “Buy Made-in-Africa” campaigns to harmonizing AfCFTA trade policies, as a blueprint for governments and stakeholders. It is a pressing need for governments and industry players to champion policies that promote local production.

2.0 The Shadow of Insecurity: A Threat to Africa’s Manufacturing Sector

Beyond economic challenges, insecurity remains a formidable threat to Africa’s industrial progress. Rising insecurity in Africa continues to cripple manufacturing. Violent insurgencies, armed conflicts, and political instability slashing industrial output and investor confidence. In the DRC, M23 rebel activities disrupt mineral processing—a sector vital to global tech supply chains. Sudan’s 145.14% inflation as of Jan’25 and South Sudan’s protracted conflicts further illustrate how instability perpetuates economic collapse. This edition sheds light on the alarming impact of insecurity on manufacturing and calls for urgent and coordinated responses including strengthening security institutions, rebuilding infrastructure, and deploying financial safety nets for manufacturers to stabilize Africa’s industrial hubs.

3.0 Health Manufacturing: A Beacon of Progress

Amid complex challenges, Africa’s health sector offers a powerful narrative of hope. The 2nd Vaccine and Other Health Products Manufacturing Forum in Cairo marked a watershed moment – Africa made remarkable strides in local vaccine and health product manufacturing. With $5.5 billion in pledged investments, the launch of the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA), and strengthened regulatory collaboration, the continent is advancing toward its goal of producing 60% of its vaccines by 2040.  Egypt’s leadership—contributing 20% of Africa’s vaccine capacity—and Ghana’s harmonized regulatory framework exemplify what is possible when vision meets action.

As highlighted in this bulletin, continuous investment in research, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks is crucial for this vision to materialize. PAMA stands firmly behind this initiative and calls on stakeholders to sustain momentum in making Africa a global powerhouse in pharmaceutical and health product manufacturing

4.0 The Path Forward: Unity, Investment, and Resilience

The macroeconomic data for February 2025 reveals both promise and fragility. While Egypt (3.5% GDP growth) and Ethiopia (7.9%) show resilience, Nigeria’s currency concerns (averaging ₦1,550/$) and Angola’s 26.48% and Burundi’s 38.2% inflation highlight systemic risks. Yet, Ghana’s 7.2% growth and Kenya’s stable inflation (3.3%) demonstrate that progress is attainable.

Conclusion: Africa’s Industrial Destiny is in Her Hands

The dual narratives of February 2025—breakthroughs in health manufacturing and the scourge of insecurity—reflect Africa’s complex reality. Yet, history teaches us that crises often birth innovation. By uniting behind homegrown solutions, leveraging the AfCFTA, and confronting insecurity head-on, Africa can transform today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities.

As PAMA’s bulletin illustrates, the continent’s industrial ascent is not a distant dream but a tangible goal. Let February 2025 be remembered as the month Africa chose resilience over reliance, unity over fragmentation, and production over peril.

—The Editorial Board, PAMA Manufacturing Global News Bulletin