How contest between Chinese and Indian firms could reshape African drug markets

China is challenging India’s long-held dominance of the African market for antimalarial drugs in 12 of the continent’s hardest-hit countries, according to a new study.

Last year, Chinese exports of antimalarial drugs reached US$89.3 million, nearly matching India’s US$89.6 million, according to Indian market research company Sol Gravitas.

The gap has closed significantly since 2021, when Indian exports stood at US$121 million compared with US$62.6 million for China.

Separately, the study examined Global Fund purchases for the same 12 countries plus Kenya between 2021 and 2025.