Foundation Stone Laid for GENNVAX, the Region’s Largest Integrated Vaccine Manufacturing Facility, in the Presence of Ministers and Ambassadors
Egypt has marked a major milestone in strengthening its biopharmaceutical manufacturing sector with the laying of the foundation stone for the GENNVAX vaccine manufacturing facility, set to become the largest fully integrated vaccine production plant in the region. The USD 150 million project is located within the First Industrial Sector of Orascom Industrial Parks at the Suez Canal Economic Zone and represents a strategic step toward localizing vaccine production and enhancing national drug security.
The foundation stone ceremony was attended by senior government officials, ambassadors, and leaders of Egypt’s healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. Participants included Eng. Hassan El Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade; Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister for Human Development and Minister of Health and Population; Mr. Walid Gamal El-Din, Chairman of the Suez Canal Economic Zone; and Eng. Amr El-Batrik, CEO of Orascom Industrial Parks, alongside senior officials from key health authorities, international organizations, and the Armed Forces Medical Services.
Designed as a fully integrated vaccine manufacturing complex, the GENNVAX facility will cover the entire production cycle, from upstream to downstream processes. The project supports Egypt’s Vision 2030 by advancing biopharmaceutical localization, strengthening export capabilities, and positioning Egypt as a regional hub for vaccine manufacturing. International partnerships and technology transfer agreements form a core pillar of the project, ensuring compliance with the highest global quality standards.
Once operational, the facility will produce 29 vaccines and serums through collaborations with 15 international partners, with an annual capacity of up to 270 million doses per production line operating on a two-shift system. The plant is designed to qualify for WHO Prequalification (WHO PQ), enabling access to international procurement markets, particularly across Africa and the Middle East. The project is also expected to create between 500 and 700 direct jobs.
GENNVAX has been granted the Golden License by the Prime Minister, reflecting its anticipated contribution to foreign currency generation through exports. The facility incorporates advanced digital systems for efficiency, traceability, and quality control, and has been developed as a green, environmentally responsible project, partially powered by solar energy in line with Egypt’s sustainability strategy.
Commenting on the project, Mr. Adam El Daba, Chairman of El Daba Holding and Chairman of GENNVAX, highlighted that improvements in Egypt’s macroeconomic indicators and investment climate were key drivers behind the decision to move forward with this strategic investment.
Dr. Nibal Dahaba, Shareholder and Managing Director of GENNVAX, described the project as a new chapter for biopharmaceutical manufacturing in Egypt, driven by long-term vision, advanced technology, and strong international partnerships to serve public health needs locally and regionally.
As part of its commitment to knowledge localization, GENNVAX has also established the GENNVAX Academy for Continuing Medical Education, delivering advanced training programs for professionals from national and international regulatory bodies to support the sustained application of global quality standards.
GENNVAX is a subsidiary of El Daba Holding, a national group founded in 1957 with operations across Egypt, the Middle East, Africa, Canada, and Russia. The project aligns with Egypt’s national strategy to localize pharmaceutical manufacturing, strengthen healthcare resilience, and reinforce the country’s position as a regional center for vaccine production.