Fully Funded Africa CDC Biomanufacturing Fellowship Programme 2026–2028: Apply Now! @2028: Apply Now!

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Biomanufacturing Fellowship Programme is a transformative initiative designed to strengthen Africa’s capacity to manufacture vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics.

As part of the African Union’s vision for a New Public Health Order and the broader Agenda 2063, this fellowship aims to develop a highly skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and resilience across the continent’s health systems.

Why This Fellowship Matters

Africa currently produces less than 1% of the vaccines it uses, creating a heavy reliance on external supply chains. This dependency limits the continent’s ability to respond effectively to pandemics and health emergencies.

To address this, the African Union launched the Platform for Harmonised African Health products Manufacturing (formerly PAVM), with a bold target:

• 60% of vaccines manufactured locally by 2040
• Interim milestones of 10% by 2025 and 30% by 2030

Achieving this goal requires a significant expansion of the biomanufacturing workforce, making this fellowship a critical step toward building sustainable health security in Africa.

Addressing Africa’s Biomanufacturing Skills Gap

One of the biggest challenges facing the continent is the lack of specialized training programs in biomanufacturing. Existing initiatives are fragmented and often inaccessible to professionals who cannot leave their jobs for extended periods.

The Africa CDC Biomanufacturing Fellowship Programme directly addresses this gap by offering:

• Structured, industry-relevant training
• Hands-on experience in real-world settings
• Flexible learning designed for working professionals

This approach ensures that both new graduates and experienced professionals can gain the skills needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving biomanufacturing sector.

Programme Overview

The fellowship is a two-year intensive programme (July 2026 – June 2028) that combines theoretical learning with practical industry exposure.

Participants will:

• Gain expertise aligned with Africa CDC’s Vaccine R&D and Manufacturing Competency Frameworks
• Develop leadership, mentorship, and management skills
• Learn resource planning and entrepreneurship within the health sector
• Specialize in a specific area of biomanufacturing

By the end of the programme, fellows are expected to emerge as leaders and innovators capable of advancing Africa’s health manufacturing ecosystem.

Who Should Apply?

The programme targets professionals already working in the biomanufacturing sector. Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:

Academic and Professional Requirements

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field OR
• A Bachelor’s degree plus at least 5 years of experience

Relevant fields include:

• Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Biotechnology
• Chemistry and Biochemistry
• Biochemical Engineering

Additional Eligibility

• Must be a citizen of an African Union Member State
• Must possess a valid passport
• Must be available to participate in training in designated countries

This ensures that selected fellows are well-positioned to apply their knowledge directly within Africa’s health systems.

Highly Competitive Selection Process

The selection process is rigorous and merit-based. A dedicated committee under the PHAHM initiative will review all applications.

• Only five candidates will be selected
• Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further evaluation

This highly competitive process ensures that the programme invests in top talent with the potential for significant impact.

Fellowship Benefits and Funding

The Africa CDC provides comprehensive financial support, making the fellowship accessible to qualified candidates across the continent. Benefits include:

• Daily subsistence allowance (DSA) during training
• Return flight tickets to training locations
• Travel and health insurance
• Visa fees
• Post-fellowship allowance

These provisions allow fellows to focus fully on their training and professional development without financial barriers.

Application Timeline and Key Dates

• Application Deadline: 20 April 2026
• Notification of Selected Candidates: 1 June 2026
• Programme Duration: July 2026 – June 2028

Early application is strongly encouraged due to the limited number of slots available.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must submit their applications through the official online form provided by Africa CDC. Applicants should ensure that all eligibility requirements are met and that their submissions clearly demonstrate their experience and motivation.

Advancing Africa’s Health Security

The Africa CDC Biomanufacturing Fellowship Programme is more than just a training opportunity—it is a strategic investment in Africa’s future. By developing a skilled workforce in vaccine and health product manufacturing, the programme contributes to:

• Reduced dependency on external supply chains
• Stronger pandemic preparedness
• Improved access to life-saving medical products
• Sustainable economic and health system growth

Through initiatives like this, the Africa CDC and the African Union are laying the foundation for a self-reliant and resilient African health ecosystem.

APPLY NOW

For professionals in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and related fields, this fellowship offers a rare opportunity to gain world-class training while contributing to continental transformation.

With only five positions available, applicants are encouraged to prepare strong submissions that reflect both technical expertise and a commitment to Africa’s development.

Apply before 20 April 2026 and take a step toward shaping the future of biomanufacturing in Africa.

For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel

Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that is offering this fellowship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.