The European Investment Bank (EIB) Global has signed a €750,000 technical assistance agreement to support the development of a new vaccine manufacturing facility in Egypt, strengthening the country’s role as a regional healthcare and vaccine production hub.
The agreement will help prepare a major expansion project for Egypt’s national vaccine producer, Vacsera, with the planned investment valued at approximately €50 million. The project aims to increase domestic vaccine production capacity while supplying vaccines to other African countries.
The initiative aligns with Egypt’s efforts to strengthen health security and supports the African Union’s goal of increasing locally manufactured vaccines from around 1 percent of the continent’s supply today to 60 percent by 2040.
Funded through the Facility for Euro-Mediterranean Investment and Partnership (FEMIP) Trust Fund, the technical assistance package will finance a comprehensive feasibility study and market analysis. The findings are expected to support potential future EIB financing for the project.
Vacsera, one of Africa’s oldest vaccine manufacturers, plans to develop a new multi-product vaccine facility capable of expanding production capacity, supporting technology transfer and improving access to essential vaccines across the region.
The project also supports the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy, which seeks to strengthen healthcare systems, improve access to medical products and promote sustainable development through strategic international partnerships.
Officials from Egypt and the EIB highlighted the importance of local vaccine production in improving preparedness for future health emergencies and reducing dependence on imported medical supplies. The planned facility is expected to enhance Egypt’s ability to meet domestic demand while contributing to regional health resilience.
As Africa continues to expand its pharmaceutical and biotechnology capabilities, the Vacsera project represents a significant step toward building a stronger and more self-sufficient vaccine manufacturing ecosystem across the continent.
