The Africa CDC and African Vaccine Manufacturing Initiative (AVMI) Industrial Fellowship Programme 2026–2027 is now open for applications, offering a highly competitive and fully funded opportunity for recent African graduates to gain hands-on experience in vaccine manufacturing.
This flagship programme is designed to address Africa’s urgent need for skilled professionals in vaccine research, development, and manufacturing. With the continent aiming to significantly scale up its vaccine production capacity by 2040, this fellowship plays a critical role in building a strong, self-sufficient workforce.
Background and Rationale
Africa currently faces a significant gap in vaccine manufacturing capacity, both in terms of infrastructure and skilled human resources. According to projections, the continent will need approximately 12,500 full-time professionals in vaccine manufacturing by 2040. However, the current workforce ranges between only 2,000 and 3,000 individuals, many of whom are not fully specialized in vaccine production.
Traditional reliance on international training programmes has proven to be costly and unsustainable due to financial constraints and visa-related challenges. Additionally, there is a shortage of industrial placements within Africa to provide graduates with practical, hands-on experience.
To bridge this gap, the Africa CDC, in collaboration with AVMI, launched this structured industrial fellowship programme to train and equip the next generation of vaccine manufacturing professionals.
About the Industrial Fellowship Programme
The fellowship is a one-year intensive training programme focused on developing competencies aligned with the Vaccine Research and Development and Manufacturing Competency Frameworks established by Africa CDC.
Fellows will be placed in active vaccine manufacturing institutions across selected African countries, where they will gain practical exposure to industry processes and standards.
Key Features of the Programme
- Duration: July 2026 to September 2027
- Placement Locations: Egypt, Senegal, or South Africa
- Focus Area: Vaccine manufacturing and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP)
- Cohort Size: Only 14 fellows will be selected
What the Fellowship Offers
Selected fellows will receive comprehensive financial and professional support, including:
1. Financial Support
- Return flight tickets to the host country
- Visa fees and required documentation support
- A stipend to cover basic daily expenses
2. Hands-On Industry Experience
- Practical training in vaccine manufacturing facilities
- Exposure to real-world pharmaceutical production processes
- Experience aligned with global manufacturing standards (cGMP)
3. Career Development
- Development of technical and industrial competencies
- Increased employability in vaccine manufacturing institutions
- Opportunity to contribute to Africa’s public health advancement
Fields of Study Eligible
Applicants must have a background in one of the following disciplines:
- Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
- Chemistry or Biochemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Biomanufacturing or Vaccine Manufacturing
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for this fellowship, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of an African Union Member State
- Be a recent graduate (within the last 3 years) with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree
- Possess a valid passport
- Be available to participate in the programme in one of the designated countries
- Be proficient in English or French
The programme is inclusive and encourages applications from all qualified individuals regardless of gender, race, or background. Women are strongly encouraged to apply.
Selection Process
- Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee comprising Africa CDC, PHAHM, and AVMI representatives
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
- A total of 14 fellows will be selected for the programme
Application Timeline
- Application Deadline: April 30, 2026
- Notification of Selected Candidates: May 15, 2026
- Programme Duration: July 2026 – September 2027
Applicants are strongly advised to apply early to increase their chances of selection.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must complete the official application form via the link below:
Apply for the Africa CDC Industrial Fellowship Programme
Why You Should Apply
This fellowship offers a rare opportunity to gain specialized, industry-level experience in vaccine manufacturing within Africa. Participants will:
- Acquire critical technical skills in a high-demand field
- Contribute to strengthening Africa’s health security systems
- Enhance their career prospects in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals
- Join a select group of future leaders in vaccine manufacturing
Learn more about the Africa CDC and African Vaccine Manufacturing Initiative (AVMI) Industrial Fellowship Programme HERE.
Click HERE to discover more global Fellowship opportunities on OFY.