By Ebi Kesiena
South Africa has taken a historic step toward vaccine independence as Cape Town-based pharmaceutical company, Biovac, received regulatory approval to begin clinical trials for Africa’s first fully locally manufactured oral cholera vaccine.
The approval, granted by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), marks the first time in over five decades that a vaccine developed and produced entirely within South Africa has advanced to clinical testing —a milestone hailed as a breakthrough for the continent’s healthcare autonomy.
Speaking at the official launch held at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Soweto, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi described the development as a “historic milestone” not only for South Africa but for Africa as a whole.
“The ability to manufacture a life-saving vaccine from start to finish right here at home strengthens our capacity to respond swiftly to outbreaks and boosts Africa’s self-reliance in vaccine production,” Motsoaledi said.
Biovac Chief Executive Morena Makhoana said the project underscores the company’s commitment to advancing public health innovation on the continent. “If the trials are successful, South Africa will become the first country in Africa to produce a cholera vaccine,” he stated.
Pending positive results, the vaccine could gain local approval by 2028 and global clearance by 2029.
The move comes amid a sharp rise in cholera outbreaks across Africa and a global shortage of oral cholera vaccines. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), over 200,000 cases and 4,000 deaths were recorded across 15 African countries in 2023, largely driven by poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.
