Africa Malaria Treatment Market Size, Share, and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2032

Africa Malaria Treatment Market Size

• The Africa malaria treatment market size was valued at USD 54.63 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 89.74 million by 2032, at a CAGR of 6.40% during the forecast period
• The market growth is largely driven by ongoing government and non-government efforts to curb malaria incidence, the increasing availability of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), and heightened public awareness surrounding timely malaria diagnosis and treatment
• Furthermore, the expanding access to healthcare infrastructure in rural and underserved regions, coupled with strategic collaborations between international health agencies and regional pharmaceutical companies, is reinforcing effective malaria management across the continent

Africa Malaria Treatment Market Analysis

• Malaria treatment in Africa, primarily involving antimalarial drugs such as artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), is a cornerstone of public health responses due to the disease’s ongoing impact, especially among vulnerable populations such as children under five and pregnant women
• The escalating demand for effective malaria treatments is fueled by strong government initiatives, international funding, growing awareness, and the urgent need to address emerging drug-resistant strains of malaria
• Nigeria dominated the malaria treatment market in Africa with the largest revenue share of 27.8% in 2024, attributed to its high malaria burden, expansive population, and robust national malaria control strategies supported by global health agencies such as WHO and the Global Fund
• Uganda is expected to be the fastest-growing country in the malaria treatment market during the forecast period due to rising public health investments, improvements in diagnostic coverage, and expanding access to ACTs through both public and private channels
• Medication, segment dominated the Africa malaria treatment market with a market share of 91.7% in 2024, driven by its widespread use in first-line treatment protocols, affordability, and large-scale distribution through government and donor-supported health programs

Report Scope and Africa Malaria Treatment Market Segmentation   

Africa Malaria Treatment Market Trends

“Rising Emphasis on ACTs and Community-Based Access Models”

• A significant and accelerating trend in the Africa malaria treatment market is the growing adoption of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) as the preferred frontline treatment for Plasmodium falciparum infections. This is driven by strong endorsement from the World Health Organization (WHO) and large-scale support from global health organizations such as the Global Fund and UNICEF
  • For instance, Coartem (by Novartis) is one of the most widely distributed ACTs across African countries through national health programs and donor-funded initiatives, offering a reliable and effective solution to combat malaria
• Community-based healthcare delivery has emerged as a key component in expanding access to treatment in rural and underserved areas. Through the deployment of trained community health workers, early diagnosis and treatment with ACTs are made more accessible, reducing the risk of complications and transmission
• In addition, partnerships between governments, NGOs, and regional pharmaceutical manufacturers are strengthening the availability and affordability of antimalarial medications, with countries such as Nigeria and Kenya scaling up local production capabilities
• This trend toward prioritizing ACT accessibility, combined with decentralized treatment delivery and stronger public health frameworks, is transforming malaria care in Africa. The approach aligns with broader health system goals of reducing disease burden, improving health equity, and achieving universal access to essential treatments

Africa Malaria Treatment Market Dynamics

Driver

“High Disease Burden Coupled with Government and Global Health Interventions”

• The sustained high prevalence of malaria across Africa, particularly in sub-Saharan nations, continues to drive the demand for effective treatment solutions. National malaria control programs, supported by global health bodies, are instrumental in providing widespread access to ACTs, diagnostics, and preventive therapies
  • For instance, in 2024, the Global Fund committed substantial funding to countries such as Nigeria, Uganda, and Mozambique to support mass drug distribution, health worker training, and treatment monitoring systems, enhancing the impact of malaria control strategies
• These efforts are complemented by increasing public awareness campaigns, improvements in healthcare infrastructure, and strategic procurement of ACTs through direct tenders and multilateral aid programs. Collectively, these interventions are ensuring greater coverage and timely access to antimalarial medications, particularly for high-risk groups such as children under five and pregnant women
• The expanding integration of malaria treatment into broader primary healthcare services and maternal-child health programs is further accelerating market growth, positioning ACTs as a cornerstone in Africa’s fight against malaria

Restraint/Challenge

“Emerging Drug Resistance and Healthcare Infrastructure Constraints”

• The emergence of artemisinin resistance, particularly in parts of East Africa such as Uganda and Rwanda, is a growing concern that threatens to undermine the efficacy of first-line therapies and stall progress in malaria control. Resistance-related treatment failures are prompting increased surveillance and the need for alternative therapies and new drug formulations
  • For instance, in 2024, WHO highlighted rising artemisinin resistance markers in East Africa, leading to the recommendation of strengthened molecular monitoring and the exploration of novel combination therapies
• Compounding this challenge is the limited healthcare infrastructure in many remote regions, where shortages of qualified health personnel, inadequate diagnostic tools, and poor transportation networks hinder timely and effective malaria treatment delivery
• Addressing these barriers requires coordinated investments in health systems, ongoing research and development of next-generation antimalarials, and policy reforms to support more robust supply chain and delivery mechanisms
• Without addressing these structural constraints and emerging resistance, the long-term sustainability of malaria treatment programs may face significant setbacks

Africa Malaria Treatment Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of agent, type, treatment type, drug type, route of administration, end user, and distribution channel.

• By Agent

On the basis of agent, the Africa malaria treatment market is segmented into Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. knowlesi. The Plasmodium falciparum segment dominated the market with the largest market revenue share of 84.5% in 2024, driven by its widespread prevalence across sub-Saharan Africa and its association with the most severe and fatal malaria cases. Governments and global health organizations primarily target P. falciparum with large-scale treatment programs, diagnostics, and public awareness campaigns.

The P. vivax segment is expected to witness the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2032, due to improvements in diagnostic accuracy and regional detection in parts of East Africa. However, its share remains low in Africa compared to Asia and South America.

• By Type

On the basis of type, the Africa malaria treatment market is segmented into medication, vaccination, and others. The Medication segment dominated the market with the largest market revenue share of 91.7% in 2024, driven by widespread use of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) as the standard treatment for malaria across the continent. These medications are widely available through government and donor-funded channels and are recommended by the World Health Organization as the first-line therapy.

The Vaccination segment is anticipated to witness the fastest growth rate during the forecast period, supported by the rollout of RTS,S/AS01 (Mosquirix) in high-burden countries such as Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi. Ongoing vaccination pilot programs and increasing funding support are expected to expand access and boost uptake across more African nations.

• By Treatment Type

On the basis of treatment type, the Africa malaria treatment market is segmented into suppressive treatment and radical treatment. The Suppressive Treatment segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share of 67.8% in 2024, due to its widespread application in treating P. falciparum malaria, which does not require liver-stage parasite clearance. Suppressive therapies are commonly distributed through national health systems and used in acute and preventative malaria care.

The Radical Treatment segment is expected to witness the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2032, particularly in areas where P. vivax is emerging. Radical treatments, such as those using primaquine, are necessary to eliminate dormant liver forms but are currently limited in use due to low prevalence in Africa.

• By Drug Type

On the basis of drug type, the Africa malaria treatment market is segmented into generics and branded. The Generics segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share of 76.4% in 2024, driven by the affordability and widespread availability of generic ACTs. Governments and NGOs procure these medications in bulk for public health distribution, making them the primary treatment choice in resource-limited settings.

The Branded segment is expected to witness the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2032, supported by urban demand, private healthcare channels, and higher-income consumers who prefer recognized global pharmaceutical brands.

• By Route of Administration

On the basis of route of administration, the Africa malaria treatment market is segmented into oral and parenteral. The Oral segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share of 82.6% in 2024, as most malaria treatments are delivered in tablet form due to convenience, ease of storage, and suitability for community-level distribution. Oral ACTs are extensively used in national programs and recommended for uncomplicated malaria.

The Parenteral segment is expected to witness the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2032, particularly in hospital settings for severe malaria cases where injectable artesunate is administered. These treatments are critical for reducing mortality among high-risk patients such as children and pregnant women.

• By End User

On the basis of end user, the Africa malaria treatment market is segmented into hospitals, specialty clinics, home healthcare, and others. The Hospitals segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share of 38.9% in 2024, owing to their role in managing severe malaria cases and serving as the distribution hub for inpatient and emergency treatment protocols.

The Home Healthcare segment is expected to witness the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2032, driven by the expansion of community health worker networks, which enable diagnosis and treatment at the household level, especially in remote and rural areas.

• By Distribution Channel

On the basis of distribution channel, the Africa malaria treatment market is segmented into direct tender, hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, online pharmacies, and others. The Direct Tender segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share of 41.3% in 2024, due to large-scale procurement and distribution of antimalarial drugs by governments and global health agencies such as WHO, UNICEF, and the Global Fund. This channel ensures affordability and wide accessibility in the public sector.

The Retail Pharmacies segment is expected to witness the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2032, supported by increasing demand in urban private healthcare markets and growing consumer access to over-the-counter ACTs. Online pharmacies remain limited but may grow as digital healthcare adoption increases across Africa.

Africa Malaria Treatment Market Regional Analysis

• Nigeria dominated the malaria treatment market in Africa with the largest revenue share of 27.8% in 2024, attributed to its high malaria burden, expansive population, and robust national malaria control strategies supported by global health agencies such as WHO and the Global Fund
• The country’s national malaria strategy emphasizes the widespread distribution of ACTs, community-level access to diagnostics and treatment, and public education campaigns, making Nigeria a central focus for both domestic health policy and global health initiatives
• This high demand is further supported by active participation from NGOs, robust donor funding from organizations such as the Global Fund, and growing domestic pharmaceutical capacity, positioning Nigeria as a key driver of growth within the regional malaria treatment market

Nigeria Malaria Treatment Market Insight

The Nigeria malaria treatment market captured the largest revenue share of 27.8% in 2024 within Africa, driven by the country’s significant malaria burden and robust national response strategies. The Federal Ministry of Health, in collaboration with global partners such as the Global Fund and WHO, has scaled up access to ACTs, diagnostics, and preventive measures. With widespread deployment of community health workers and increasing awareness campaigns, Nigeria remains the focal point of regional malaria control efforts, sustaining its dominant market position.

Democratic Republic of the Congo Malaria Treatment Market Insight

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) malaria treatment market is expected to grow steadily throughout the forecast period, fueled by one of the highest malaria case loads in the world and expanding international aid. The government’s partnership with donor agencies ensures continuous supply of essential medicines and rapid diagnostic tests. Efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure and train frontline workers are also enhancing treatment reach, particularly in rural and conflict-affected regions.

Uganda Malaria Treatment Market Insight

The Uganda malaria treatment market is anticipated to grow at a notable CAGR during the forecast period, supported by rising government expenditure, integration of community-based healthcare delivery, and early detection initiatives. The emergence of artemisinin resistance has intensified the focus on surveillance and advanced treatment protocols. Uganda’s strong health partnerships and nationwide access programs continue to improve case management and reduce malaria-related mortality.

Kenya Malaria Treatment Market Insight

The Kenya malaria treatment market is witnessing stable growth, backed by a well-established health system, effective policy implementation, and robust disease surveillance infrastructure. The government’s Malaria Strategic Plan, which includes widespread ACT availability and routine use of rapid diagnostic tests, supports national coverage. N addition, local pharmaceutical production of ACTs and improved logistics systems are strengthening treatment delivery, particularly in high-transmission western regions.

South Africa Malaria Treatment Market Insight

The South Africa malaria treatment market is growing moderately, with the country largely classified as low-transmission. Malaria control is concentrated in border provinces such as Limpopo and Mpumalanga. South Africa's focus on elimination efforts and cross-border collaboration through the Elimination 8 (E8) initiative has increased demand for high-quality diagnostics and treatments. Government-funded healthcare access and strong public health campaigns are essential to the country’s progress toward malaria elimination.

Africa Malaria Treatment Market Share

The Africa malaria treatment industry is primarily led by well-established companies, including:

• Novartis AG (Switzerland)
• Medicines for Malaria Venture (Switzerland)
• Sanofi. (France)
• GSK plc (U.K.)
• Pfizer Inc. (U.S.)
• Cipla Inc. (India)
• Strides Pharma Science Limited (India)
• Fosun Pharma (China)
• Viatris Inc. (U.S.)
• Emzor Pharmaceuticals Plc (Nigeria)
• Swiss Pharma Nigeria Limited (Nigeria)
• Quality Chemical Industries Limited (Uganda)
• Adcock Ingram Holdings Limited (South Africa)
• Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited (South Africa)
• Dawa Life Sciences (Kenya)
• Universal Corporation Limited (Kenya)
• Afrigen Biologics and Vaccines (South Africa)
• Sanaria Inc. (U.S.)
• Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd. (India)
• AdvaCare Pharma Co., Ltd. (U.S.)

What are the Recent Developments in Africa Malaria Treatment Market?

• In April 2024, the Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Global Fund, launched an expanded nationwide distribution campaign of ACTs and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), aiming to reach over 80% of malaria-endemic communities. This large-scale intervention targets improved early detection and treatment access, especially for vulnerable groups such as children under five and pregnant women. The initiative highlights Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to reducing malaria-related mortality and reinforces its leadership role in Africa’s malaria response
• In March 2024, Novartis announced the renewal of its commitment to malaria elimination in Africa by pledging the supply of 100 million doses of pediatric ACTs over the next five years. The company also introduced a next-generation antimalarial compound currently in late-stage development to combat emerging drug resistance. This initiative underlines the growing role of pharmaceutical innovation in addressing persistent treatment challenges across the region
• In February 2024, Uganda’s Ministry of Health, supported by the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), launched an integrated community-based malaria management program. The program deploys trained community health workers to conduct door-to-door testing and administer ACTs, improving access in rural areas with limited health infrastructure. This approach strengthens grassroots-level treatment delivery and demonstrates a scalable model for high-burden countries
• In January 2024, the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), in partnership with PATH and GSK, began a phased introduction of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine in high-transmission counties. The rollout focuses on children under five, complementing existing drug-based interventions and marking a major step forward in combining vaccination with traditional treatment strategies. The development showcases Kenya’s commitment to integrated malaria control efforts
• In December 2023, South Africa’s National Department of Health announced the successful expansion of its Elimination 8 (E8) cross-border malaria strategy. The initiative includes enhanced surveillance, real-time data sharing, and targeted treatment protocols in border regions. By strengthening regional collaboration with neighboring countries such as Mozambique and Zimbabwe, South Africa is advancing toward malaria elimination and setting an instance for regional control frameworks

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