African Union (AU) Member States are set to receive USD 234 million in new financing for pandemic preparedness, nearly half of all the funding approved in the latest round of proposals by the Pandemic Fund.
The allocation was confirmed at the Fund’s Board Meeting held in Kigali, Rwanda, from 17–19 November 2025.
The USD 234 million, 47% of the USD 500 million approved globally, reflects what officials say is the continent’s growing ability to design high-quality, technically strong proposals that meet global standards.
The Pandemic Fund remains the world’s leading financing mechanism for strengthening Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response (PPPR), with close to half of its global investments directed to African countries.
Africa CDC Director-General Dr Jean Kaseya said the funding would help countries build the systems needed to stop outbreaks from escalating into regional emergencies.
“Preparedness is not an abstract concept; it is the difference between an outbreak contained and a crisis that spreads. The funding approved for Africa will help countries build the systems that keep communities safe, especially in cross-border areas where risks are highest,” Dr Kaseya said.
He added that Africa CDC welcomed the Board’s decision and the confidence shown in AU Member States.
“We appreciate the consensus reached by the Board and the trust placed in the proposals submitted by our Member States. Africa CDC will continue to support countries to turn these resources into stronger capacities on the ground.”
Africa CDC said the continent’s improved success rate is partly due to the joint mechanism created by the agency and the World Health Organisation (WHO) to help countries prepare technically sound submissions. The collaboration has led to stronger proposals and increased financing secured by African nations.
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