Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt is moving to significantly expand its pharmaceutical and biotechnology capacity, with plans to produce up to 140 million human vaccine doses annually by 2030 under its flagship “Vaccine City” initiative.
The project is part of a broader national strategy to achieve self-sufficiency in vaccine production, strengthen health security, and position Egypt as a regional export hub serving Africa and beyond.
Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel Ghaffar reviewed progress on the project, describing it as a cornerstone of efforts to localize advanced biotechnology industries and reduce reliance on imported vaccines.
Building a Biotechnology Ecosystem
In addition to manufacturing facilities, the initiative includes the creation of a specialized academy to train professionals in vaccine production and biotechnology, ensuring a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers to support long-term industry growth.
Officials say the integrated approach combining production, training, and research, will help establish a comprehensive biotechnology ecosystem in Egypt.
Ambitious Expansion Plans to 2040
Looking beyond the initial phase, Egypt plans a major scale-up in production capacity by 2040, targeting 690 million human vaccine doses annually, alongside 11 billion veterinary doses.
This expansion is expected to allow Egypt to meet around 16 percent of Africa’s vaccine demand, significantly improving access to essential immunizations across the continent.
Export Hub for Over 60 Countries
Authorities say the project is designed not only to meet domestic needs but also to support exports, with the potential to supply vaccines to more than 60 countries.
Egypt is also seeking to deepen cooperation with African nations and expand international partnerships in biotechnology, with a focus on knowledge transfer and joint development.
Strengthening Health Security
Officials emphasize that the Vaccine City project represents a transformative step in building an independent pharmaceutical manufacturing base, enhancing the resilience of Egypt’s healthcare system against future global health crises.
By expanding domestic production and strengthening regional collaboration, Egypt is positioning itself as a key player in Africa’s healthcare landscape and a central hub for vaccine manufacturing and distribution.
