Pretoria, July 23, 2025, German Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan visited the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to emphasize Germany’s cooperation with South Africa in advancing local vaccine production and health technology manufacturing. The visit highlighted joint efforts to strengthen biomanufacturing capabilities, Good Manufacturing Practice training, and human capital development in the health sector. Source
Key Highlights
Strengthening Biomanufacturing & GMP Training
- The CSIR’s head, Dr Thulani Dlamini, hosted Minister Radovan at the CSIR Scientia Campus in Pretoria, where they toured the state-of-the-art Biomanufacturing Pilot Facility, supported by Germany’s GIZ and KfW, to boost GMP standards and local manufacturing capacities. Source
Human Capital & Research Innovation
- The collaboration includes efforts to invest in skills development, technology transfer, and innovation in diagnostics, therapeutics, pharmaceuticals, and digital health via CSIR and South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI). Source
Strategic Partnerships & Ecosystem Collaboration
- The visit reaffirmed commitments from both countries to foster long-term cooperation in health innovation. CSIR thanked partners including the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, Biovac, and Afrigen for their roles in demonstrating South Africa’s growing health innovation ecosystem. Source
What This Means for South Africa
This collaboration significantly boosts South Africa’s ability to produce vaccines and health technologies locally, reducing dependence on imported medicines. It also builds resilience in the health sector by improving regulation, manufacturing standards, and scientific research capacity.
Final Thoughts
Minister Radovan’s visit to CSIR on July 23, 2025 underscores a deepening bilateral commitment to health sovereignty, innovation, and equitable access. By investing in both infrastructure and skills, Germany and South Africa are laying the foundation for a more self-reliant and resilient health future. Source
