In a significant stride for international scientific collaboration, the Chief Executive Officer of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Dr Thulani Dlamini, hosted Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Honourable Reem Alabali Radovan, during her official visit to South Africa on Wednesday, 23 July 2025, at the CSIR Scientia Campus in Pretoria.

The visit highlighted projects supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW), Germany’s development bank, aimed at strengthening Good Manufacturing Practice training and enhancing biomanufacturing capabilities in South Africa.

“Minister Alabali Radovan’s visit reflects a shared commitment to equitable health outcomes in Africa and beyond,” said Dr Dlamini.

“Through our partnership with the German government, we are not only strengthening scientific and technological capabilities but also investing in the human capital that is vital for a resilient, self-sufficient health sector.”

This visit included a high-level tour of the CSIR’s state-of-the-art Biomanufacturing Facility, which was supported by Dr Mlungisi Cele, Director-General of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI).

In recent years, the South African government, through DSTI, has made significant investments in health innovation. These span diagnostics, therapeutics, pharmaceuticals and digital health.

“The CSIR plays a vital role in realising this national vision, our contributions in research, development, innovation and technology transfer are central to expanding South Africa’s manufacturing base and ensuring we are not left behind in the next health emergency,” Dr Cele said.

The visit concluded with reaffirmed commitments from both countries to foster long-term cooperation in health innovation and skills development, with continued support for initiatives that position Africa as a global player in pharmaceutical and vaccine production.

The CSIR extends its sincere gratitude to the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, Biovac and Afrigen, for their collaboration in demonstrating the strength of South Africa’s growing health innovation ecosystem during Minister Reem Alabali Radovan’s visit. Their participation highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration in advancing local manufacturing capabilities.