Report Highlights Economic Boost from Malaria Reduction Efforts in Africa

By Abass Ganiyu


A new report from Oxford Economics Africa, commissioned by Malaria No More UK, has revealed that achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of a 90% reduction in malaria incidence could significantly boost the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of malaria-endemic African countries. The report projects a potential GDP increase of $126.9 billion between 2023 and 2030.

The report underscores the urgent need to reinvigorate global efforts to eliminate malaria, emphasizing that this would not only save lives but also drive substantial economic growth. By estimating the impact on GDP and subsequently on international trade, the report provides a comprehensive analysis of the economic benefits of malaria reduction.

The report details how GDP growth from malaria reduction could translate into trade benefits, including both bilateral trade and trade with 13 focus countries most affected by malaria. These countries include Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Mozambique, Angola, Burkina Faso, Mali, Tanzania, Niger, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Zambia, and Kenya.

Achieving the malaria reduction target is estimated to significantly boost the GDP of these malaria-endemic countries by $142.7 billion by 2030. Additionally, international trade could see an increase of $80.7 billion over the same period. This would include direct trade benefits for G7 countries, with an estimated $3.9 billion in additional exports.

The report highlights the potential economic benefits for individual countries. Nigeria, bearing the largest burden of malaria cases and deaths, stands to gain the most, with a projected GDP boost of nearly $34 billion by 2030. Kenya and Angola could see GDP gains of $9.4 billion and $8.5 billion, respectively. Tanzania could experience a GDP increase of approximately $7.5 billion, while the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) could see a substantial GDP increase of $4.9 billion between 2023 and 2030.

The findings emphasize the broader global benefits of ending malaria. Not only would affected endemic countries experience significant economic growth, but the global economy would also benefit from increased international trade.

In related news, Nigeria is set to update its economic outlook as the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) begins rebasing GDP and consumer prices. Additionally, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reiterated its commitment to attracting foreign direct investment (FDI).

Abass Ganiyu, a journalist with over a decade of experience in health reporting, environmental issues, and investigative journalism, currently covers the National Assembly for GoProForum.

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