Zambia to begin construction of Africa’s first cholera vaccine plant

President Hakainde Hichilema announced that construction of Africa’s first oral cholera vaccine manufacturing plant will begin in Zambia next month. Located at the Lusaka South Multi Facility Economic Zone, the facility is being developed through a memorandum of understanding between the Zambian government and the Chinese company International Medical Technology. The plant is expected to produce 20 million doses annually.

As the African Union Cholera Champion, Hichilema stated the initiative is part of a continental effort to eliminate cholera by 2030. The project aims to reduce Africa’s reliance on imported vaccines and enhance regional health security. Experts have noted that the facility could transform Zambia into a pharmaceutical exporter and create specialized technical roles for the local workforce.

In response to a current cholera outbreak that has resulted in 1,622 cases and 30 deaths across 20 districts, the government has released K13 million to the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation. These funds are intended for the emergency supply of safe water to affected and high-risk communities.