This brief outlines the current state of health research and development (R&D) financing in Africa and underscores the importance of sustained, country-led investment amid declining global funding.

Following a temporary surge during the COVID-19 pandemic, global health R&D financing has contracted significantly. In this context, the analysis frames domestic investment and governance of health R&D as contributors to health security and sovereignty, enabling countries to set national and regional priorities. Where predictable, country-led funding is absent, R&D pathways become fragmented, slowing product development and delaying patient access to lifesaving innovations.

Against this backdrop, the brief highlights the need for more coordinated and resilient approaches to financing health R&D in Africa. Drawing on discussions co-hosted by PATH and Impact Global Health, it points to strong evidence that investment in health R&D generates substantial societal and economic returns, strengthens pandemic preparedness, and supports the development of local manufacturing capacity. The recommended actions collectively aim at building sustainable, Africa-led health R&D ecosystems.