EVMA RCCN Launches the Continent’s First Industrial Fellowship for Vaccine Workforce Development

Egypt continues to spearhead Africa’s health manufacturing renaissance, consolidating its position as a continental hub for vaccine production and workforce development. Recognized by the Africa CDC during the Second Annual Forum on Vaccines and Other Health Products as the Regional Capability and Capacity Network (RCCN) for North Africa, Egypt—through the Unified Procurement Authority (UPA) and the Egyptian Vaccines Manufacturing Alliance (EVMA RCCN)—is launching Africa’s first Industrial Biomanufacturing Fellowship Program.

This landmark initiative translates policy into practice, transforming Egypt’s national vaccine localization strategy into a continental platform for talent development and biomanufacturing excellence.

At the heart of this program lies one of Africa CDC’s most ambitious goals—to expand the continent’s vaccine manufacturing workforce from approximately 2,000–3,000 professionals today to 12,500 full-time experts by 2040. The EVMA RCCN Industrial Fellowship Program directly supports this objective, positioning Egypt as the training nucleus for biomanufacturing across Africa.

Over a one-year immersive training, fellows from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, and Egypt will complete seven advanced modules: Manufacturing Science & Technology (MSAT), Operations & Production, Quality Assurance (QA), Quality Control (QC), Maintenance & Engineering, Automation Systems and Industrial Regulatory Affairs

Together, these modules will cultivate a new generation of professionals equipped to advance vaccine manufacturing, ensure quality standards, and support Africa’s growing demand for locally produced health products.

Training will be hosted by BioGeneric Pharma and VACSERA, both flagship institutions within the EVMA RCCN network, offering state-of-the-art production environments and direct exposure to the full biomanufacturing cycle—from process design to regulatory oversight.