A 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunity to strengthen the Africa’s pandemic preparedness

A major vaccine manufacturing facility in the United Kingdom has been placed on the market, with the African Manufacturing Foundation (AMF) urging African governments and business leaders to move swiftly to secure what it calls a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity to strengthen the continent’s pandemic preparedness.

The former Vaccine Manufacturing Innovation Centre (VMIC), situated at the renowned Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire, measures 171,619 square feet and went up for sale or lease in late 2025.

AMF chief executive officer Lebo Radebe said the availability of the facility presents a rare strategic opening for Africa, warning that the continent cannot afford to miss the opportunity as it did during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“A window of untold opportunity has opened for the African continent that must not be allowed to close,” Radebe said. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance that does not come knocking twice. If we miss it, the consequences could be devastating.”

Radebe said the Covid-19 crisis exposed Africa’s vulnerability when wealthier nations prioritised their own populations and vaccine stockpiles, leaving African countries scrambling to secure limited and often costly supplies.

According to available data, the pandemic left more than a quarter of a million confirmed deaths across the continent, with South Africa recording the highest number. Many countries struggled with delayed access to vaccines and limited manufacturing capacity.

The VMIC facility was designed specifically for pandemic preparedness and has the capacity to manufacture up to 2.56 billion vaccine doses annually. It focuses primarily on respiratory vaccines, including Covid-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Radebe believes acquiring or leasing the facility would significantly enhance the continent’s vaccine research and manufacturing capabilities, while supporting the work of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

“With its reputation in innovation, development and manufacturing of vaccines, the facility has the distinct potential of being the central point to prepare the continent for future pandemics,” she said.

The Harwell campus is widely regarded as a global hub of science and technology, hosting world-leading research institutions and high-tech companies. The campus emphasises collaboration, innovation and rapid problem-solving — qualities Radebe says align with Africa’s long-term health security goals.

While African countries have taken steps since Covid-19 to strengthen disease surveillance, expand local vaccine production and improve health supply chains, Radebe argues that the scale and sophistication of the UK-based facility would provide a significant boost.

She called on African governments to work collectively with private sector partners to secure the facility before it is acquired by other regions.

“Since the outbreak of the pandemic, continents around the world have learnt hard lessons and are preparing for the future,” Radebe said. “Europe has strengthened its disease control frameworks, Asia has invested in digital health technologies, and South America has diversified vaccine production. Africa must also act boldly.”

Radebe stressed that collaboration among African nations would be key.

“The strength of this continent lies in working together. Governments and business leaders must sit around the table and move decisively. The future generations cannot be put through what this generation experienced during Covid-19,” she said.

The AMF said securing the Harwell-based facility could mark a critical step towards greater self-reliance and resilience in the face of future global health emergencies.