Twenty participants from across Africa completed advanced training in downstream processing for biologics and vaccine manufacturing on Friday, 16 October 2026, at the CSIR Scientia campus in Pretoria. The training was delivered through the Southern African Biomanufacturing Training Hub (SABTH), hosted by the CSIR with support from KfW Development Bank.
Downstream processing is a critical stage in biomanufacturing, involving the separation, purification and recovery of biological products to meet stringent quality, safety and regulatory requirements. Strengthening expertise in these processes is essential to developing reliable manufacturing capabilities for vaccines, biologics and other biopharmaceutical products.
CSIR senior researcher Dr Veshara Ramdas said, “Biologics and vaccines transform healthcare by preventing disease, treating complex conditions and saving lives. Building expertise in biomanufacturing ensures these life-changing therapies reach the patients who need them most.”
Through theoretical and practical training using specialised equipment, participants gained experience in key downstream operations, including normal flow filtration, tangential flow filtration, sterile and virus filtration, filter integrity testing, chromatographic purification, formulation and fill-finish considerations, quality control and regulatory requirements.
“The skills developed through this training will support participants in evaluating and optimising bioprocesses, improving product recovery and purification, troubleshooting operational challenges and applying quality-driven manufacturing practices in their respective workplace,” she added.
Initiatives such as SABTH contribute to the development of the specialised skills and technical expertise needed to strengthen southern Africa’s biomanufacturing ecosystem. By providing practical training aligned with industry and research requirements, the hub supports the development of a skilled workforce capable of advancing biopharmaceutical innovation and strengthening the region’s capacity to manufacture essential health products.
Explore upcoming SABTH courses: https://www.csir.co.za/work-with-us/funding-and-programmes/eois
Published 28 October 2026