Zambia Signs Historic MoU with China to Establish the First Cholera Vaccine Manufacturing Plant in Africa
Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia presided over the signing of a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Industrial Development Corporation and Jijia International Company of China to establish a US$37 million cholera vaccine manufacturing plant in Zambia.

Through the partnership between the Zambia Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Initiative and Shanghai United Cell Biotechnology Company, Zambia will establish the first cholera vaccine manufacturing plant in Africa.

This development is momentous for Zambia in public health and disease prevention under the leadership of President Hichilema, the WHO Global Cholera Prevention Champion. Zambia co-sponsored the cholera prevention and Control Resolution, which aims to eliminate cholera by 2030. In recognition of his global role, the SADC Summit in February 2024 designated President Hichilema as Champion to spearhead the Fight Against Cholera in the SADC Region.

During the ceremony at State House, President Hichilema emphasized the significance of the development, and expressed optimism that the partnership would help to save lives and boost productivity. The President noted that cholera remains a menace globally particularly in the developing world but can be mitigated with improved hygiene, public health and usage of vaccines.

The President conveyed a message of gratitude to His Excellency Mr. Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China for his resolve to address global challenges premised on the belief in a shared future. The President further underscored the decision by SADC Member States to accelerate efforts aimed at developing capacities to manufacture different types of vaccines.

The manufacturing of cholera vaccines will enhance Zambia’s capacity to respond to the disease, reduce reliance on complex supply chains and provide an opportunity to serve the region given Zambia’s strategic location. Zambia is among the high-risk countries, having faced over 20,000 cases and nearly 700 deaths during the 2023-2024 cholera outbreak.