Twenty-seven participants from across Africa recently celebrated their graduation after completing an intensive Biomanufacturing and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) course as part of the CSIR’s African Biomanufacturing Workforce Development and Training Programme.
The course was delivered in partnership with Sartorius, whose contributions included an advanced virtual-reality practical component that enhanced the hands-on learning experience. This collaboration ensured that participants engaged with modern, industry-relevant biomanufacturing environments and real-world decision-making scenarios.
Dr Ghaneshree Moonsamy, a principal researcher at the CSIR, highlighted the significance of strengthening Africa’s biomanufacturing capabilities through skills development and strategic collaboration. “Today marks more than just a graduation; it marks a growing movement to empower Africa with the scientific and manufacturing expertise needed to build resilient GMP ecosystem.”
Participants received comprehensive training covering the full biomanufacturing value chain. This included exposure to cell line development, product purification processes, bioreactor sizing principles, materials of construction, fill-and-finish considerations, GMP foundations, facility controls, documentation and quality management requirements, as well as risk management and inspection preparedness.
“These competencies form a crucial skills base for accelerating Africa’s ability to produce vaccines, therapeutics and other biological products locally. The course represents an important milestone for the CSIR’s long-term vision to strengthen Africa’s biomanufacturing ecosystem by cultivating highly trained professionals who can contribute to regional manufacturing hubs, industry growth and innovation,” added Dr Moonsamy.
Through this initiative, the CSIR is strengthening continental health security by developing a capable GMP workforce – enhancing Africa’s ability to respond rapidly to health crises, such as outbreaks or pandemics, by producing vaccines and therapeutics locally without reliance on external supply chains.
