At the recent Africa CEO Forum, a renewed commitment to eradicating malaria emerged, fueled by a surge of private sector involvement. A stark reminder of the disease’s pervasive threat, even in 2024, hung in the air as initiatives like the Change the Story campaign, championed by Speak Up Africa and its partners, took center stage. These efforts aim to unlock critical resources and amplify the voices of women and girls on the front lines. As the world faces critical funding gaps in 2025, the private sector is increasingly seen as a vital partner in achieving a malaria-free future. This comes as a welcome boost to efforts to achieve malaria elimination.

For decades, malaria elimination in Africa has remained a distant goal, hampered by funding shortfalls and logistical challenges. The economic burden of malaria is immense, sapping productivity and straining healthcare systems. A recent study underscores the urgency, projecting that a 90% reduction in malaria incidence by 2030 could inject a staggering $126.9 billion into the continent’s GDP. Dr. Michael Adekunle Charles, CEO of the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, emphasizes the pivotal role of private investment: “This is your moment to co-invest for impact, because when Africa’s private sector leads, the world pays attention. The Global Fund has saved millions of lives and strengthened health systems. Your investments now can safeguard both economic resilience and public health.”

The Change the Story campaign, a collaborative effort involving Speak Up Africa, RBM Partnership to End Malaria, ALMA, and Malaria No More UK, seeks to reshape the narrative around malaria and galvanize private sector engagement. Central to the campaign is the launch of its Francophone chapter, expanding its reach and influence across the continent. The campaign urges businesses to take concrete steps, including providing direct support to national malaria control efforts, channeling resources into the Global Fund’s 8th Replenishment, joining End Malaria Councils, and investing in the Voix EssentiELLEs Fund for Malaria Elimination.

Joy Phumaphi, Executive Secretary of ALMA and Board Chair of the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, highlights the power of collaborative investment: “By joining End Malaria Councils and Funds and investing in community-led solutions, companies can unlock the innovations and resources needed to deliver impact, protect lives, power economies, and achieve a malaria-free future.” The Voix EssentiELLEs Fund, launched at the Africa CEO Forum, aims to mobilize $4 million by 2030 to support flexible funding for women and girls, aligning regional advocacy with national priorities. Businesses can also provide in-kind support, such as logistical assistance and awareness campaigns, to complement financial contributions.

Women and girls bear a disproportionate burden from malaria, yet their voices and needs often go unheard. Investing in women is not just a matter of equity but also a smart economic strategy. Yacine Djibo, Executive Director of Speak Up Africa, emphasizes the transformative impact of empowering women: “Investing in women and girls accelerates development. Women leaders strengthen communities, drive innovation, and help lift families out of poverty…for every $1 invested in malaria control, we gain up to $60 in economic returns. Malaria-free communities are not just healthier, they are more resilient, productive, and profitable.”

The partnership between Speak Up Africa, Canal+ Côte d’Ivoire, and the National Malaria Control Program exemplifies the power of collaboration. A Memorandum of Understanding solidifies their commitment to driving awareness and supporting malaria elimination efforts. The agreement builds upon a five-year collaboration between Speak Up Africa and Canal+ Group, which has already contributed more than $1.5 million in airtime and in-kind support. Adama Koné, Director General of Canal+ Côte d’Ivoire, expresses pride in their role: “Through our platform, we are proud to drive awareness and contribute to the fight against malaria…Together with Speak Up Africa and their partners, we are committed to changing the story to end malaria in Africa.”

As Pierre N’gou Dimba, Minister of Health, Public Hygiene and Universal Health Coverage of Côte d’Ivoire, aptly stated, “To avoid losing years of progress in the fight against malaria, securing new and diversified sources of funding is urgent. The private sector has a direct stake in malaria elimination. Healthy communities lead to thriving economies.” The report *Change the Story, Save Lives: The Private Sector’s Role in Ending Malaria* provides businesses with concrete steps to contribute to malaria elimination. The private sector must seize this opportunity to make a lasting impact on global health and economic development.

The burgeoning engagement of the private sector marks a critical turning point in Africa’s fight against malaria elimination. Initiatives such as the Change the Story campaign, the Voix EssentiELLEs Fund, and strategic partnerships hold the promise of unlocking resources, fostering innovation, and amplifying the voices of those most impacted. As underscored by prominent leaders and compelling studies, investing in malaria elimination transcends mere public health; it serves as a powerful catalyst for economic advancement and resilience. The private sector’s unwavering commitment remains indispensable in realizing a malaria-free Africa, necessitating sustained collaboration and the pursuit of groundbreaking solutions. Businesses eager to learn more can closely monitor the endeavors of Speak Up Africa and the RBM Partnership to End Malaria.