Biovac Secures $15 Million AfDB Loan for Cape Town Vaccine Plant

The facility will serve as a critical component in the African Union’s ambitious roadmap to meet 60 percent of the continent's vaccine demand locally by 2040. Operations are slated to begin with the production of oral cholera vaccines, before expanding into inactivated polio, pneumococcal conjugate, and meningitis treatments. This development positions Biovac as the first end-to-end producer of oral cholera vaccines on the continent, supported by technology-transfer agreements with global partners including Sanofi and Bharat Biotech.

Beyond production capacity, the initiative serves as an engine for local economic growth and human capital development. The expansion is projected to generate approximately 340 full-time jobs, with specific targets to recruit women and youth. By integrating training programs with South African universities, the company plans to cultivate a specialized workforce in regulatory science and quality control. This financial package, led by the International Finance Corporation and bolstered by EU and Gates Foundation support, aligns with Gavi’s $1.2 billion African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator to ensure long-term market viability for locally produced medical supplies.