Biovac Launches Cutting-Edge Lab to Boost Africa’s Vaccine Development

In a significant leap forward for Africa's biomedical and public health capabilities, Biovac—South Africa's premier biopharmaceutical manufacturer—will unveil a state-of-the-art product development laboratory on Thursday, 6 November 2025, in Cape Town. The launch marks a pivotal milestone in the country's efforts to achieve full-spectrum vaccine manufacturing capabilities, moving beyond the current "fill and finish" stage to full end-to-end production.

The new laboratory, equipped with mRNA vaccine technology and advanced research infrastructure, aims to strengthen local capacity for the development of vaccines and therapeutics targeting diseases prevalent across the African continent.

Government Champions Local Innovation in Public Health

The official opening will be headlined by Dr Nomalungelo Gina, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, who will deliver the keynote address. Her presence underscores the South African government's strategic commitment to local pharmaceutical manufacturing, health sovereignty, and pandemic preparedness.

In a statement released ahead of the launch, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) said:

"This milestone supports the government's broader goal of strengthening local pharmaceutical manufacturing and ensuring that South Africa and the continent are better prepared to respond to health emergencies with homegrown solutions."

What the New Lab Brings: Advanced Vaccine R&D Capacity

The Cape Town-based lab, located at Biovac's headquarters, has been designed to drive cutting-edge research in drug and vaccine development, particularly for diseases such as:

• HIV/AIDS

• Tuberculosis

• Malaria

• Emerging viral threats like Ebola and COVID-19 variants

The integration of messenger RNA (mRNA) technology into the facility is especially noteworthy. mRNA vaccines work by instructing human cells to produce proteins that trigger an immune response, equipping the body with defenses against future infection. This method has proven highly effective, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic, and is now seen as a powerful platform for the rapid development of vaccines.

Global Partnerships Drive Africa's Vaccine Independence

The high-profile event will also feature Mark Suzman, CEO of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which has been a major supporter of Biovac's mission to expand Africa's vaccine production landscape.

Suzman's attendance signals the Foundation's ongoing commitment to equitable access to vaccines and global health innovation, particularly in the Global South. The Foundation has long partnered with Biovac to strengthen vaccine access for underserved populations and build sustainable health infrastructure.

Biovac's CEO Dr Morena Makhoana will host the event, showcasing how the new facility will help position the company—and South Africa—as a leader in vaccine innovation for the continent.

Biovac: A Pillar in Africa's Immunisation Strategy

Biovac is already deeply involved in vaccine manufacturing for the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), which serves millions of infants and children across both the public and private healthcare sectors.

The company has received sustained support from:

• The South African government

• The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

• The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)

With the addition of its new lab, Biovac is expected to:

• Accelerate the development of regionally relevant vaccines

• Reduce dependence on foreign pharmaceutical imports

• Provide an R&D ecosystem for African scientists and researchers

• Enhance clinical trial capabilities and product pipeline development

Toward a Health-Secure Future for Africa

The timing of this investment is critical. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed stark disparities in vaccine access and manufacturing capacity across Africa. This lab represents an intentional and strategic move to reverse that legacy by building resilient, autonomous health systems capable of responding rapidly to future outbreaks.

Dr Gina, echoing this sentiment, is expected to highlight how innovation hubs like Biovac's lab are essential for:

• Boosting health security

• Empowering local scientific talent

• Creating jobs and fostering economic development

As South Africa continues to lead on science and innovation within the African Union and BRICS forums, this development further cements the nation's reputation as a biotech and pharmaceutical hub for the continent.

With global partners, political will, and the scientific infrastructure now aligned, the opening of Biovac's new facility marks a defining moment in Africa's journey toward health sovereignty—one built not only on access but also on ownership of the tools and technologies that ensure long-term public health resilience.