This first publication in the PATH-Impact Global Health Co-authored R&D Blindspots Policy Series examines a pressing question for the continent: is research and development truly delivering Africa’s vision for health security and sovereignty?

Drawing on global R&D funding data, disease burden estimates, and clinical trial activity, the report examines how R&D investment patterns, clinical trial activity and leadership in Africa, and progress toward local manufacturing and regulatory readiness align with Africa CDC priority diseases.

Taken together, the findings reveal a mixed picture. While downstream manufacturing capacity is expanding rapidly, upstream R&D pipelines, African‑led clinical research, and coordinated regional innovation strategies continue to lag. This imbalance points to a growing risk that health sovereignty remains a political commitment rather than an operational reality, without the research foundations required to sustain it.

The snapshot concludes with targeted policy recommendations focused on strengthening domestic investment, improving regional coordination, enhancing regulatory effectiveness, and reinforcing African leadership across the R&D ecosystem.