COVID-19 Africa Watch discusses the launch of the Africa Medical Supplies Platform with Strive Masiyiwa, founder and chairman of Econet Wireless, and African Union Special Envoy for mobilizing the private sector response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Takeaways

The following are a few of the main takeaways from COVID-19 Africa Watch’s conversation with Strive Masiyiwa, founder and chairman of Econet Wireless, and African Union Special Envoy for the mobilization of test kits and personal protective equipment (PPE) for medical workers.

• African nations are competing in an aggressive global marketplace for testing kits and PPE.
• Members of the African Union, under the leadership of rotating AU president Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa are partnering to launch a new continental initiative: the Africa Medical Supplies Platform. The platform will help countries gain a more competitive edge as they purchase needed testing kits, PPE, and medical equipment.
• The Africa CDC and Africa Export-Import Bank are key partners. The Africa CDC helps ensure the countries with the highest disease burdens get priority supplies, and the Ex-Im bank helps guarantee payment for suppliers.
• The platform is working with Ministries of Health and treasury officials to onboard all AU member states, and is also working with African manufacturers to provide a ‘Made-in-Africa’ option for all purchases.

The interview was conducted by Staci Warden, executive director of Global Market Development at the Milken Institute.

Please also visit the Africa Medical Supplies Platform and see this announcement from President Ramaphosa.