As African leaders met in Addis Ababa for the 39th AU Summit, malaria was back in the spotlight. Malaria Financing In Africa is now more urgent as new data indicate that the disease is increasing again after years of progress. That reversal is colliding with shrinking donor support and harsher climate conditions.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 610,000 malaria deaths occurred globally in 2024. Africa carried almost the entire toll. The WHO African Region accounted for 95% of deaths (579,000) and 95% of cases (265 million). Most deaths were among children under five.
Health leaders now warn that the old model is breaking. External dependency is proving too fragile. Programmes stall when grants dip. Supplies arrive late. Data comes too slowly to steer action.
Malaria Financing in Africa Faces a Tougher Operating Climate
New tools exist, and they work. Malaria vaccines are no longer limited to pilots. Twenty-five African countries have introduced malaria vaccines into routine immunisation programmes, according to updates from Gavi and WHO in January 2026.
Next-generation mosquito nets using dual insecticides are also expanding. Digital surveillance is improving detection and targeting. But these gains are landing in a weaker funding environment.
The Africa CDC has warned that official development assistance for health in Africa fell by about 70% from 2021 to 2025. That decline is forcing countries to make difficult choices regarding prevention, staffing, and procurement.
Climate shocks add pressure. Heavier rainfall and warmer seasons can increase mosquito breeding and extend the transmission season. Botswana has reported a higher incidence after heavy rains, including in districts that had eliminated malaria. Drug and insecticide resistance is also increasing, making rapid surveillance and targeted responses essential.
Financing in Africa: The Cost of Delay is Rising
The economic case is sharpening. A joint warning linked to the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) suggests a resurgence could wipe $83bn off sub-Saharan Africa’s GDP by 2030, alongside major increases in cases and deaths.
ALMA and partner organisations argue that the question is no longer whether Africa can afford to end malaria. It is whether Africa can afford repeated resurgence cycles that overwhelm clinics, disrupt schooling, and drain productivity.
Malaria Financing in Africa: Three Priorities for Leaders
ALMA-backed priorities centre on shifting from crisis response to stable delivery.
Domestic resource mobilisation is one pillar. End Malaria Councils and Funds have been established in multiple countries and have mobilised more than $166m in domestic public and private commitments.
Scaling innovation is another. Vaccines, improved diagnostics, better nets, and digital surveillance need to be integrated into national systems. That requires investment in labs, supply chains, procurement, and community health workers.
Political accountability underpins both. Scorecards that track coverage, financing, and performance are intended to identify bottlenecks early. Commitments must translate into budget lines, orders, and operational plans.
The broader argument is about health sovereignty. Strengthening malaria systems also strengthens primary care, surveillance, and logistics for the next outbreak.
- Boko is the President of Botswana. He also serves as chair of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance, an AU–linked coalition of African heads of state and government working to eliminate malaria across the continent.
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