September 24, 2025 (New York, N.Y.) – A new report released today by Malaria No More and Corporate Council on Africa illustrates how ending malaria is not just a humanitarian goal but one of the largest untapped business opportunities in the world – worth more than US$4 trillion in potential economic output by 2030 by achieving global malaria reduction goals. 

According to the report, which consolidates the findings of several recent studies, every dollar invested by the United States in malaria control in Africa generates US$5.80 in economic growth, outperforming most Wall Street investments. It highlights that continued and increased U.S. government investment in African healthcare initiatives is the ultimate enabler of the “trade, not aid” policy, unlocking opportunities for American businesses that are ready to capitalize on Africa’s US$3 trillion economy. 

“As countries get healthier, they’re increasingly better positioned to unlock the full economic potential of their most valuable resources: people,” said Malaria No More CEO Martin Edlund. “We should view malaria control initiatives, especially the President’s Malaria Initiative and the Global Fund, as essential not just because they drive better health outcomes but also because they unleash economic opportunities for U.S. businesses operating in Africa.” 

“Africa represents one of the world’s most promising investment frontiers, with U.S. businesses increasingly recognizing the continent’s tremendous economic potential,” said Florizelle Liser, President and CEO of Corporate Council on Africa. “However, malaria continues to exact what economists call a ‘malaria tax’—reducing productivity, increasing healthcare costs, and creating operational challenges that can diminish returns on investment by as much as 1.3% of GDP annually in heavily affected regions. Strategic U.S. investment in malaria elimination isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s an economic catalyst that will unlock Africa’s full potential for American businesses and African communities alike.”

Some key findings from the report include:

• Seventy-two percent of companies in sub-Saharan Africa reported malaria has had a negative impact on their business operations and 39% perceived the impact to be serious.
• An additional US$1.5 billion in exports from U.S. companies to malaria-endemic African countries would result from achieving the Sustainable Development Goals for malaria by 2030.
• Africa is projected to generate an estimated US$16.12 trillion in combined consumer and business spending by 2050.
• Malaria control efforts have already been responsible for a US$90.3 billion GDP increase in recipient countries, allowing for substantial economic expansion, increased import demand and larger markets for U.S. goods and services.
• Countries with robust malaria control attract 16% more foreign direct investment than endemic regions.
• Every government dollar spent to de-risk malaria control investments encourages US$3 to US$5 in private sector co-investment.

With Africa projected to be home to 1 in 4 people globally by 2050 and consumer and business spending expected to reach more than US$16 trillion, the report urges the U.S. government to consider malaria elimination a strategic investment in America’s economic future and fully fund both the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria and the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI).

For a copy of the full report, go to: http://bit.ly/MalariaEconomics

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About Malaria No More

Malaria No More envisions a world where no one dies from a mosquito bite. More than a decade into our mission, our work has contributed to historic progress toward this goal. Now, we’re mobilizing the political commitment, funding, and innovation required to achieve what would be one of the greatest humanitarian accomplishments – ending malaria within our generation.

About Corporate Council on Africa

The Corporate Council on Africa introduces, facilitates, and strengthens commercial relations between the United States and the nations of Africa. It supports favorable trade legislation, expand financing for investments, encourage U.S.-Africa private sector partnerships, and advocate for a business climate conducive to long-term investment.