Applications Open: Fully Funded Africa CDC/AVMI 2026 Vaccine Manufacturing Fellowship

Applications are now open for the Africa CDC/AVMI 2026 Industrial Fellowship Programme in Vaccine Manufacturing (Fully Funded). This fully funded program targets recent African graduates. It offers one year of hands-on experience in current Good Manufacturing Practices, or cGMP, for vaccine production. Fellows will train at active sites in Egypt, Senegal, or South Africa. Application Deadline: 30th April 2026. The goal is to grow Africa’s vaccine workforce. Right now, that workforce sits at 2,000 to 3,000 full-time employees. Africa needs 12,500 by 2040 under the PAVM plan. Read on for details about who qualifies, what it covers, the timeline, and how to apply.

Africa faces a shortage of skilled workers in vaccine manufacturing. Many of the current 2,000 to 3,000 full-time employees work on research that is not fully focused on vaccines. Key gaps exist in drug substance production and manufacturing research and development. This program, the second cohort, builds skills from Africa CDC’s Vaccine R&D and Manufacturing Competency Frameworks.

Key Takeaways

• The program provides one year of hands-on training in current Good Manufacturing Practices for vaccines at active sites in Egypt, Senegal, or South Africa.
• It targets recent graduates from African Union states with degrees in fields like pharmacy, biotech, or chemical engineering, and is fully funded with flights, stipend, and visa support.
• Africa’s current vaccine workforce of 2,000-3,000 full-time employees needs to grow to 12,500 by 2040, and this fellowship helps close key skill gaps.
• Applications close on April 30, 2026, with only 14 fellows selected; apply via the official Africa CDC webpage.

Current vaccine workforce in Africa: 2,000-3,000 FTEs. Target by PAVM 2040: 12,500 FTEs.

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To qualify, applicants must meet these criteria:

• Recent graduates (no more than three years since completion) with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in one of these fields: Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Biomanufacturing/vaccine manufacturing.
• Citizens of an African Union Member State.
• Holders of a valid passport.
• Available to join the program in Egypt, Senegal, or South Africa.
• Proficient in English or French.

Women are encouraged to apply.

The program is fully funded by Africa CDC. Benefits include:

• Return flight tickets to the training site.
• A minimal stipend to cover daily expenses.
• Visa fees.
• Documents to help with the visa application.

A committee from Africa CDC, PHAHM, and AVMI will review all applications. They will select just 14 candidates. Only those chosen will hear back for next steps. The process welcomes qualified people from all AU Member States. It does not matter your gender, race, disability, religion, caste, or marital status.

Here is the application timeline:

Apply through the official webpage. For questions, contact [email protected].

Fellows train at active vaccine manufacturing sites in Egypt, Senegal, or South Africa. Specific host details are on the official page. The focus stays on cGMP skills to support PAVM 2040 goals. Check the webpage for the latest updates before applying.

This fully funded fellowship offers recent African graduates a chance to gain vital skills in vaccine manufacturing at sites in Egypt, Senegal, or South Africa, helping build Africa’s workforce toward the 2040 goal of 12,500 experts. With just 14 spots available, act fast before the April 30, 2026 deadline. Visit the official webpage to apply today and join the effort to strengthen Africa’s vaccine production.

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