Africa CDC Biomanufacturing Fellowship Programme 2025

Omran Aburayya
Apr 26
2 min read

If you are an ambitious professional in the biomanufacturing sector looking to advance your skills and leadership potential, the Africa CDC Biomanufacturing Fellowship Programme 2025 is now accepting applications. Organized by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), this fellowship seeks to equip a new generation of African leaders with advanced technical expertise in vaccine, diagnostics, and therapeutics manufacturing — a key pillar of the African Union's New Public Health Order and Agenda 2063.

This unique opportunity offers hands-on industry training, leadership development, and specialized mentorship designed to strengthen Africa’s health security and manufacturing capabilities.

🗒️ Fellowship Summary

Location: Various training locations across Africa and internationally
Host Institution: Africa CDC through the Platform for Harmonized African Health Products Manufacturing (PHAHM)
Academic Level: Professional development (Postgraduate level)
Target Group: Employees of active biomanufacturing companies in African Union Member States
Duration: Two years (July 2025 – June 2027)
Application Deadline: 30 May 2025
Start Date: July 2025
Eligible To: Citizens of AU Member States employed in active biomanufacturing companies

🎓 Fellowship Overview

The Africa CDC Biomanufacturing Fellowship Programme is a two-year, part-time initiative designed to build specialized skills in Africa’s growing biomanufacturing sector. The program responds to a critical need to expand Africa’s vaccine production capacity, moving from under 1 percent local production today to over 60 percent by 2040.

📚 Fields of Focus

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Biotechnology
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Biochemical Engineering

🧩 Structure and Curriculum

Theoretical Learning: Virtual and in-person modules focusing on biomanufacturing competencies
Hands-on Training: Short, intensive industry trainings in advanced facilities
Specialization: Fellows focus on a specific technical area within biomanufacturing
Leadership and Entrepreneurship: Training in management, resource planning, and mentorship skills
Work Continuity: Participants remain employed but are required to travel for short periods for training

The fellowship aligns with Africa CDC’s Vaccine R&D and Manufacturing Competency Frameworks and emphasizes leadership in health manufacturing enterprises.

🎁 Fellowship Benefits

DSA (Daily Subsistence Allowance) for travel
Return flight tickets
Travel and health insurance
Laptop and internet allowance
Visa fees
Post-fellowship allowance

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Be citizens of an African Union Member State
Be currently employed at an active biomanufacturing company in an AU Member State
Hold at least a Master’s degree in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biochemical Engineering, or related fields
Possess a valid passport
Be able to secure leave of absence from their employer for the training periods
Provide a support letter from their current employer confirming permission to participate
Commit to participating in both virtual and in-person training components