The head of the World Trade Organization says Africa is working with the European Union and other partners to create regional hubs to produce vaccines.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said facilities would be established in South Africa, Senegal and Rwanda. Nigeria is also being considered.

She said the over-centralisation of vaccine production was incompatible with equitable access, especially during a health crisis.

French President Emmanuel Macron said he was “delighted” by the news, saying the South Africa hub was going to be the first of many.

Africa is facing a major shortage of coronavirus jabs. The United Nations has urged countries that can donate surplus supplies to the continent.