This initiative aims to enhance skills, workforce training, and research and development to support the continent's goal of manufacturing 60% of its vaccines locally by 2040.
The effort aligns with decisions by African Union leaders to expand the Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM) mandate beyond vaccines to include medicines, diagnostics, and other essential health products.
Financial support for this vision has been substantial, with more than $3.5 billion pledged by global donors and development finance institutions.
The African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA) is expected to unlock $1.2 billion over the next decade, while Afreximbank has committed $2 billion to strengthening Africa's health product manufacturing sector.
A recent Africa CDC survey identified 574 manufacturers across the continent, including 25 engaged in vaccine production. Ten of these already have installed capacity, and by 2030, three African manufacturers are expected to produce and secure World Health Organization (WHO) Prequalification for eight vaccines, expanding supply for the continental market and beyond.
The RCCN Secretariats were formally introduced during the 2nd Vaccines and Health Products Manufacturing Forum in Cairo, held from February 4 to 6, 2025.
In his keynote address, Africa CDC Director General, Dr, Jean Kaseya, hailed the initiative, describing it as a game-changer for workforce development in biomanufacturing.
Following a rigorous evaluation process, leading institutions were selected to coordinate efforts in each region, with Institut Pasteur du Maroc and The Unified Procurement Authority leading in North Africa, the Africa Biomanufacturing Institute in East Africa, Institut Pasteur de Dakar in West Africa, and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research in Southern Africa.
These networks will address one of Africa's biggest challenges in vaccine manufacturing: the shortage of skilled professionals in biomanufacturing, research and development, and regulatory affairs.
By linking training institutions, manufacturers, and regulatory authorities, the RCCNs will establish structured programs to build a sustainable and well-equipped workforce.
One of the sector's biggest obstacles has been the lack of hands-on learning opportunities, such as internships and structured workplace training, which are essential for creating a steady pipeline of skilled professionals.
Expanding education in biomanufacturing, research, and regulatory affairs will be central to the initiative, aligning with Africa CDC's Vaccine Research and Development and Vaccine Manufacturing Competency Frameworks.
Dr. Chiluba Mwila, Talent Development Lead for Africa CDC's Platform for Harmonised African Health Manufacturing, emphasized the urgent need to quadruple Africa's current 3,000 vaccine manufacturing and R&D employees to meet its production targets.
He pointed out key challenges, including limited educational programs, brain drain, and fragmented funding. The RCCNs aim to tackle these issues by developing a skilled workforce to support the continent's growing vaccine and health product manufacturing sector.
Beyond technical expertise, the initiative also focuses on integrating sustainable business and operational models into workforce development. According to Dr. Abebe Genetu Bayih, Coordinator of the Platform for Harmonised African Health Manufacturing, the goal is to create an environment where Africa CDC and its partners can coordinate training programs effectively and sustainably.
Strengthening collaboration between research institutions and industry stakeholders will also ensure that Africa's vaccine manufacturing ecosystem remains innovative and globally competitive.
IGIHE
