Local manufacturing, local supply chains and health security in Africa: lessons from COVID-19

African commentators have long emphasised the importance of local manufacturing for health security, but argument has struggled to gain an international hearing. COVID-19 has, however, demonstrated dangers from extreme import dependence and low purchasing power; it also shown scope capability industrial innovation. Local innovation scale-up during pandemic was facilitated by adaptable government procurement policies a research base with strong links manufacturing. Constraints included lack testing accreditation facilities, skill finance shortages. African researchers planners should be heard supported when focusing on localising supply chains tackling severe concentration risk in interests security.