
Call for Applications: Workshop on Vaccine Manufacturing Essentials in Africa, 14th to 18th July 2025
1. Context
Africa faces an urgent need to expand its vaccine development and biomanufacturing workforce, especially in critical areas like drug substance production and process development. These competencies are foundational to building a resilient biopharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem, supporting the continent’s health sovereignty and pandemic preparedness.
The Moroccan Consortium of the North African Regional Capability and Capacity Network -represented by Institut Pasteur of Morocco and its institutional partners - in strategic collaboration with Empower Swiss and Moroccan Agency of International Collaboration (AMCI), is launching this specialized biopharmaceutical manufacturing training program. The initiative aims to strengthen regional expertise and accelerate the development of a skilled workforce capable of supporting end-to-end vaccine manufacturing processes, from upstream production to fill-finish and quality control.
By investing in talent development through this international call for candidacy, Institut Pasteur Morocco and Empower Swiss, seek to contribute concretely to Africa’s biomanufacturing self-reliance and long-term health security.
2. Objective
Identify and select a diverse cohort of qualified African candidates for specialized biopharmaceuticals biomanufacturing training.
Build critical expertise across the continent, particularly in drug substance production and bioprocess development.
Align with Africa CDC’s strategic goals for regional capacity-building and self-reliant vaccine manufacturing.
3. Target Audience
This program is designed for early- to mid-career professionals across Africa who are engaged or seeking advancement in:
Vaccine and biologics manufacturing facilities
Regulatory departments/authorities (quality assurance, GMP oversight, product registration, policy)
Biotechnology start-ups developing or scaling vaccine-related technologies
Fields such as biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, chemical/bioprocess engineering, or related areas, especially those positioned for technical or leadership roles in Africa’s biomanufacturing ecosystem
4. Training Program Overview
This comprehensive, practice-oriented program introduces biopharmaceutical manufacturing tailored to the African context and international standards. It equips participants with foundational and technical knowledge necessary for key stages of vaccine and biologics production.
Curriculum includes:
Fundamentals of bioprocessing and biomanufacturing
Upstream and downstream processing
Quality control and assurance
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
Regulatory frameworks
Facility tour and hands-on sessions with Sartorius’ latest biomanufacturing equipment and technical experts
Sessions are delivered by leading trainers from Empower Swiss, Institut Pasteur of Morocco and partners.
5. Candidacy Requirements
Applicants must submit:
A detailed resume showing relevant experience in biopharmaceuticals, bioprocessing, or vaccine development/manufacturing
A motivation letter outlining interest in the program, career goals, and alignment with professional development
A formal endorsement letter from a current institutional or employer representative
Proof of proficiency in English (training is conducted in English)
Valid passport copy for visa application.
6. Application Platform
Online Application Portal: https://forms.gle/91zntTpT6cX6cThx5
All applications must include:
Candidate info form
CV upload
Motivation letter upload
Endorsement letter upload
Valid passport copy upload
7. Application Timeline
Applications Open: May 27, 2025
Application Deadline: June 30, 2025 (23:59 GMT+1)
Notification of Selected Candidates: July 2, 2025
Program Start Date: July 14, 2025
Early applications are strongly encouraged due to limited slots and high demand.
8. Language and Place:
Place: Institut Pasteur of Morocco. 1, Place Louis Pasteur, Casablanca, Morocco.
Language of training: English.
9. Course Fees & Funding
This program is committed to excellence, inclusivity, and gender equity in Africa’s biopharmaceutical manufacturing sector. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Funding options:
Fully Funded: Up to 10 candidates from across Africa (excluding Morocco) will receive full scholarships from Moroccan Agency of International Cooperation, covering travel and accommodation. Scholarships are awarded to outstanding applicants, with gender balance considered.
Self-Funded: Up to 10 candidates from Africa (excluding Morocco) may participate on a self-funded basis, covering their own travel, accommodation, and living expenses.
Participant Category | Funding Support | Details |
Africa (excl. Morocco) – Fully Funded | Yes | Up to 10 full scholarships (travel & accommodation) for outstanding candidates |
Africa (excl. Morocco) – Self-Funded | No | Up to 10 spots; participants cover their own costs |
All selected participants receive full access to training, materials, and certification upon completion.
10. Support Services for Selected Candidates
To ensure a smooth and productive learning experience, the program provides:
Visa support: Official invitation letters and assistance for visa-on-arrival processing
Pre-arrival orientation: Information packages to help with travel, accommodation, and logistics
Daily coffee breaks and lunch: Refreshments to support networking and collaboration
On-site assistance: Dedicated staff throughout the training period
Social event: City tour and closing dinner
11. Additional Information or Requests
For questions about the application process, eligibility, program content, or logistics, contact the program coordination team as early as possible to ensure timely document and visa processing.
Program Coordination and Training Content: Paul-Xavier Etter (paul.xavier@empowerswiss.org)
Logistics: Dr El Mostafa Mliji and Mrs. Zineb Zouafi
elmostafa.mliji@pasteur.ma and communication@pasteur.ma

