IFC-Backed Biovac Achieves Major Milestone, Begins Clinical Trials for Africa’s First Domestically Developed Cholera Vaccine

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, Dec 2 – Biovac, International Finance Corporation (IFC) client has commenced clinical trials for South Africa’s first domestically developed oral cholera vaccine, marking a historic and crucial milestone in bolstering Africa’s health security and self-sufficiency in vaccine production.

The breakthrough promises sustainable vaccine sovereignty for the continent, providing rapid and reliable deployment during major health crises while significantly reducing dependence on international suppliers the vaccine is targeted for market availability as early as 2028.

Additionally, the innovation promises faster, more reliable access to vaccines during cholera outbreaks and reduces dependence on imports. If approved, the vaccine could be available by 2028.

IFC’s Role of Driving Local Vaccine Manufacturing Capacity, For the past three years the International Finance Corporation has been at the center of Biovac’s growth story Led a consortium of local and international development finance institutions (DFIs) including South Africa’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) to mobilize financing for Biovac’s expansion.

In 2023, IFC committed a US$7 million loan (in rand equivalent) to support Biovac’s scale-up and is providing advisory services for a new multi-vaccine manufacturing plant in Cape Town.

This plant will triple Biovac’s manufacturing capacity, add 4–5 new vaccines and support both traditional and mRNA platforms a game changer for Africa’s health resilience.

The efforts align with the World Bank Group’s broader priorities building domestic vaccine and pharmaceutical manufacturing and strengthening regulatory, delivery and financing systems to ensure real health system preparedness.