South African biopharmaceutical company Biovac has officially opened a state-of-the-art product development laboratory in Cape Town, marking a major leap toward Africa’s goal of producing its own vaccines from start to finish.

The new facility, established with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, will expand Biovac’s capacity to develop and manufacture vaccines using advanced technologies, including mRNA, cell culture, and bacterial platforms.

It forms part of South Africa’s growing drive to strengthen local innovation and reduce the continent’s dependence on imported vaccines.

Biovac’s new Product Development Laboratory will enable the company to handle the entire vaccine production process, from early-stage research and formulation to large-scale manufacturing and final product distribution. The facility includes specialised infrastructure for mRNA drug substance development, nanoparticle formulation, cell culture, and bacterial vaccine production.

Currently, Africa produces only about 1% of the vaccines it uses, a figure the African Union Commission and Africa CDC aim to increase to 60% by 2040. This new facility is seen as a key step toward achieving that target and improving the continent’s ability to respond to future pandemics and disease outbreaks.

Biovac CEO Morena Makhoana hailed the opening as “a major milestone for Biovac and for African vaccine innovation,” adding that it will “ensure Africa is not left behind in responding to current and future vaccine-preventable diseases.”

Gates Foundation CEO Mark Suzman said the initiative “represents a leap forward for vaccine innovation and manufacturing in Africa,” bringing the promise of “faster, more reliable access to lifesaving vaccines, developed and produced in Africa, for Africa.”

Deputy Minister of Science Dr Nomalungelo Gina described the new facility as “a beacon of hope for all Africans,” adding that it demonstrates what’s possible “when vision, investment, and scientific excellence come together.”

She reaffirmedthe  government’s commitment, alongside partners like the Gates Foundation and Industrial Development Corporation, to build a robust local pharmaceutical manufacturing base and enhance Africa’s preparedness for future health emergencies.

With this launch, Biovac continues its mission to grow scientific expertise and vaccine development capacity within South Africa, serving both the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the broader African continent.

“Today’s investment in science,” Dr Gina said, “will yield tomorrow’s health and economic security for our country and our continent.”