Nzimande Calls for United Action in Building Africa’s Vaccine Self-Sufficiency at Johannesburg Strategic Dialogue
Johannesburg – Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Professor Blade Nzimande has stressed the need for joint efforts to boost Africa’s ability to make its own vaccines and medicines, saying the COVID-19 crisis showed how vital regional independence is for health safety. Speaking at the Strategic Dialogue on Local Production of Vaccines in South Africa on Wednesday, 20 November 2025, at Melrose Arch, the Minister highlighted key partnerships and milestones while pointing out hurdles that still need fixing. The event brought together leaders from government, global groups, regulators, and industry to tackle ways to ramp up vaccine making on the continent.
This push comes as South Africa hosts the G20 Summit, putting a spotlight on Africa’s role in world health talks. Nzimande’s words underline the country’s drive to lead in science and innovation, turning pandemic lessons into real steps for a stronger, self-reliant Africa.
Lessons from COVID-19 and the Call for Collaboration
The Minister kicked off by looking back at how the pandemic hit home the risks of relying on others for key health supplies. “The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that sustainable health security depends on regional self-sufficiency, innovation, and resilience,” Nzimande said. He made it clear that big problems like this need team work, especially sharing know-how in science.
Nzimande thanked partners like Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, for backing South Africa’s goals. “It is for this reason that we value the collaboration with Gavi and believe that their presence here today underscores our shared commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and self-sustaining vaccine ecosystem for Africa,” he added. This ties into the Team Europe Initiative, which helps grow vaccine making across Africa.
He also gave a nod to the World Health Organisation (WHO) for leading on tech sharing, rule strengthening, and world-wide teamwork. Nzimande praised GIZ for its hands-on help in building skills, quality checks, and tech growth in local labs and factories. “Their work strengthens skills, quality systems, and technology development capabilities across our research and manufacturing institutions,” the Minister noted.
Key Milestones in South Africa’s Vaccine Journey
Nzimande spotlighted big wins that show South Africa is on the right path. He pointed to Biovac Institute as a key player, set up as a mix of public and private teamwork. “The establishment of Biovac as a public-private partnership has become a cornerstone of our vaccine manufacturing landscape,” he said.
Another highlight is the mRNA Vaccine Technology Transfer Hub, run by the WHO with European Union backing. “This is building next-generation vaccine Research and Development (R&D) capacity in Africa,” Nzimande explained, stressing how it boosts local smarts for future health threats.
These steps are part of wider plans to create a full system for making vaccines, from research and new ideas to rules, production, and getting them to people. “These initiatives, taken together, are building a foundation for a sustainable vaccine manufacturing ecosystem that spans research, technological innovation, skills development, effective regulation, production, and market access,” the Minister said.
Challenges Ahead and the Need for Fixes
While celebrating progress, Nzimande did not shy away from the roadblocks. He noted that local makers struggle with getting into markets and unsure demand, which scares off investors. “Local producers face limited market access and uncertain demand, which undermines investment confidence,” he warned.
He also called out split rules across Africa as a big issue. “The existence of fragmented regulatory frameworks increases costs and time to market,” Nzimande said, pushing for a joined-up approach to make things smoother and cheaper.
These hurdles show why events like this dialogue matter – they bring everyone together to find ways forward. The gathering, part of a team-up between Biovac, WHO, GIZ’s Sustainable African Vaccine Manufacturing (SAVax) Programme, and Gavi under the Team Europe Manufacturing Africa Vaccine Plus Initiative (MAV+), drew folks from around the world to share ideas and build ties.
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