El-Hossieny: The project represents a strategic step toward localizing vaccine manufacturing and strengthening health and pharmaceutical security
USD 150 million in investments targeting the production of 29 biological products to meet local market needs through GENNVAX
Dr. Tamer Elhossieny, Vice Chairman of the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA), participated in the ceremony marking the laying of the foundation stone for the GENNVAX vaccines and biological medicines plant, located within the Suez Canal Economic Zone, in the presence of senior officials, leaders, and representatives of the pharmaceutical sector.
In his address, Dr. Elhossieny affirmed that the GENNVAX project, affiliated with El-Dabaa Group, is one of the strategic projects that reflect the Egyptian state’s vision to support and localize vital pharmaceutical industries and to strengthen health and economic security. He noted that the project’s receipt of the Golden License from the Prime Minister underscores its strategic importance and the pivotal role it is expected to play in supporting the pharmaceutical security system.
He explained that the GENNVAX plant has been designed in accordance with the highest international quality standards to become the largest fully integrated facility for the production of vaccines and sera, with investments exceeding USD 150 million. The project aims to produce 29 vaccines and biological sera to meet the needs of the local market and contribute to addressing the needs of the African continent, relying on the latest manufacturing technologies and advanced digital infrastructure.
Dr. Elhossieny pointed out that this milestone coincides with a highly significant national achievement, namely the Arab Republic of Egypt, represented by the Egyptian Drug Authority, becoming the first African country to attain Maturity Level 3 in the regulation of vaccines and medicines under the World Health Organization (WHO) benchmarking assessment. This achievement enhances the Authority’s position as a regional and international reference regulatory body and supports the state’s efforts to achieve health integration with African countries.
He added that this accomplishment supports the state’s orientation toward localizing vaccine manufacturing by reducing reliance on imports, lowering the import bill, attracting investments in advanced pharmaceutical technologies, and strengthening reliance on locally manufactured products.
The Vice Chairman of the Authority also reviewed the global challenges associated with vaccine imports, noting that import values witnessed a noticeable increase in 2024 compared to the previous year, confirming that localization projects are no longer an option, but rather a strategic necessity to support the national economy and enhance health security.
He emphasized that the GENNVAX project represents a successful model of public–private partnership, where the state provided a supportive legislative and regulatory framework, while the private sector contributed expertise, vision, and investment.
Dr. Elhossieny further explained that GENNVAX’s objectives are fully aligned with the institutional framework adopted by the Egyptian Drug Authority to support pharmaceutical and vaccine localization projects. This includes the work of a specialized committee, chaired by the Vice Chairman of the Authority, tasked with reviewing localization projects and providing the necessary regulatory and technical support to companies, thereby facilitating procedures and enhancing the prospects for project success.
In closing, Dr. Tamer Elhossieny extended his thanks to GENNVAX and El-Dabaa Group, reaffirming the Egyptian Drug Authority’s continued commitment to supporting all serious initiatives that contribute to localizing the pharmaceutical industry, strengthening pharmaceutical security, and serving the health of Egyptian and African citizens.