A Data Descriptor on the Political Economy of Local Vaccine Manufacturing in Africa: Case Studies from Senegal, South Africa, and Rwanda (2021–2026)

This Data Descriptor presents a structured, qualitative dataset on the political economy of local vaccine manufacturing in Africa, analysing cases from Senegal, South Africa, and Rwanda (2021–2026). It addresses the critical empirical gap in systematically organised, comparative data concerning the non-technical determinants—political will, economic models, and institutional ecosystems—that shape the continent’s pursuit of vaccine sovereignty. The dataset was constructed through a rigorous multi-method methodology, comprising in-depth policy document analysis, semi-structured stakeholder interviews, and systematically curated news archives. These materials are organised within a unified analytical framework to enable comparative study. Analysis reveals divergent national pathways: South Africa’s leveraging of existing industrial capacity through multi-stakeholder partnerships; Rwanda’s state-driven strategic investments in advanced technology platforms; and Senegal’s focus on regional collaboration and fill-and-finish operations. The data underscore that financial investment, while necessary, is insufficient without sustained political prioritisation, coherent regional coordination, and strategic intellectual property negotiations. This dataset provides an essential empirical foundation for researchers, policymakers, and health advocates to analyse structural barriers and enablers, formulate evidence-based strategies, and foster South-South learning. It contributes to global health security scholarship by making nuanced, cross-national political economy analyses accessible for further research and informed decision-making.