Egypt launches USD150M GENNVAX project to localize global vaccine production

EGYPT—Egypt has taken a significant step toward advancing its biopharmaceutical capabilities with the groundbreaking of the GENNVAX vaccine manufacturing facility, which is poised to become the largest fully integrated vaccine production complex in the Middle East and Africa.

The initiative underscores Egypt’s commitment to localizing the production of vaccines and biological medicines, bolstering national drug security, and positioning the country as a regional manufacturing hub.

The foundation-stone ceremony brought together senior government officials, ambassadors, and leaders from Egypt’s healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.

Among the attendees were Hassan El Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade; Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister for Human Development and Minister of Health and Population; Walid Gamal El-Din, Chairperson of the Suez Canal Economic Zone; and Amr El-Batrik, CEO of Orascom Industrial Parks.

The event was also attended by high-ranking health officials, including Ali El-Ghamrawy, Chairperson of the Egyptian Drug Authority; Mohamed Awad Tag El-Din, Advisor to the President for Health and Prevention Affairs; Nima Abid, the World Health Organization’s Representative in Egypt; and Hisham Stait, Chairperson of the Egyptian Authority for Unified Procurement.

Representatives of GENNVAX’s international partners and other industry leaders were also present to mark the occasion.

Situated within Orascom Industrial Parks in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, the GENNVAX facility is being developed as a fully integrated complex encompassing the entire vaccine production cycle—from research and formulation to packaging and export.

Officials described the project as a cornerstone investment aligned with Egypt’s Vision 2030, supporting vaccine self-sufficiency, export readiness, and long-term healthcare resilience.

Backed by total investments of USD150 million (EGP 7.3 billion), the project has received the Golden Licence from the Prime Minister, a distinction that recognizes its strategic importance and export potential.

The facility will adhere to the highest international quality standards and aims to qualify for World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification, enabling access to global vaccine procurement programs.

Once fully operational, the plant is expected to produce 29 vaccines and serums through technology transfer agreements with 15 international partners, achieving an annual production capacity of up to 270 million doses per production line.

The project will generate between 500 and 700 direct jobs and feature advanced digital infrastructure to ensure operational efficiency, traceability, and robust quality control.

Sustainability forms a key pillar of the project’s design, with plans to incorporate solar energy systems that align with Egypt’s green transformation and clean energy strategy.

GENNVAX operates as a subsidiary of El Daba Holding, a national conglomerate established in 1957 with business interests spanning Egypt and several global markets.

Through this landmark project, Egypt continues to strengthen its leadership in pharmaceutical manufacturing and healthcare development across the region.