A joint statement issued by Institut Pasteur de Dakar and the Mastercard Foundation reveals their commitment to invest $45m in achieving vaccine manufacturing self-sufficiency in Africa.

The partnership, named “Manufacturing in Africa for disease immunisation and building autonomy,” aims to develop a highly skilled workforce capable of supporting vaccine manufacturing endeavors.

The initiative will establish a center of training excellence to equip talented young individuals, with a particular focus on women, with specialized skills in vaccine research, production, manufacturing, and distribution.

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Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC, highlighted the need for 9,000 to 14,000 employees across vaccine manufacturing and research roles in Africa by 2040.

The collaboration between Institut Pasteur de Dakar and the Mastercard Foundation will not only enhance biomanufacturing capabilities but also contribute to the overall livelihoods of young people in Africa.