Nigeria is set to become the first West African manufacturing hub for insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Nigerian government and Vestergaard Sàrl.
The MoU, announced on Tuesday and facilitated through the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), aims to establish a facility that will produce 10 million insecticidal nets annually, creating 600 jobs in the process.
Africa accounts for 95% of global malaria cases, with Nigeria bearing one-quarter of that burden. The new facility will also be the first on the continent to produce dual active-ingredient nets, addressing insecticide resistance in the ongoing battle against malaria.
The partnership will establish a joint venture between Vestergaard and a local Nigerian manufacturing partner, with support from MedAccess, a social investor backed by British International Investment. Vestergaard is also discussing financing opportunities with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). Once operational, the facility will supply both domestic and international markets.
“If successful, the joint venture will result in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility that is expected to function as a flagship on ITN quality and bioefficacy performance, as well as industrial health, safety and sustainability practices,” a statement by Sarah-Jane Loveday, Vestergaard’s Director of Communication & Marketing, said on Tuesday.
“At scale, the planned facility would produce 10 million PermaNet® Dual long-lasting insecticidal nets every year, for both domestic use in Nigeria and international export. It would create around 600 jobs in Nigeria.”
We cannot afford to underestimate the power of prevention in our fight against malaria
Dr Muhammad Ali Pate, Hon. Minister of Health for Nigeria, said: “Increasing access to long-lasting insecticide-treated nets is crucial. We cannot afford to underestimate the power of prevention in our fight against malaria. Collaborative efforts, such as this, are essential to mobilising the resources and expertise needed to combat malaria effectively.”
Dr Abdu Mukhtar, National Coordinator of PVAC, said: “High standards in local production are non-negotiable. By investing in local bed net production, we are not only improving health outcomes but also paving the way for a self-sufficient healthcare system that can withstand global challenges. This partnership with Vestergaard is a significant step towards attaining this for Nigerians and the broader West African population. ”
Michael Anderson, CEO of MedAccess, said: “Next generation mosquito nets are powerful tools to save lives and prevent debilitating disease. Regional manufacturing is in turn a critical tool to ensure that the nets are available quickly, reliably, and sustainably. This agreement between the Government of Nigeria and Vestergaard underlines an important commitment to protecting people from malaria while strengthening supply chain resilience in the region. MedAccess is looking forward to working in partnership to explore how innovative finance can support this initiative.”
Jim Polan, Vice President, Office of Health & Agribusiness at the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), said: “DFC’s investments in regional manufacturing, particularly in Africa, aim to strengthen health system resilience and diversify supply chains. We are exploring a variety of opportunities to expand access to critical health products, including bed nets, to ensure the region is better prepared to respond to malaria and other vector-borne transmission due to changing climate patterns.”
Amar Ali, CEO of Vestergaard, said: “This partnership exemplifies the leadership and commitment of the Nigerian government in the fight against malaria. We are very grateful for their engagement and support as we work together with partners to create a cutting-edge facility that will set a global benchmark in the manufacturing of dual-insecticide nets.”
