HEALTHCARE | 05 OCTOBER 2021 In conversation with The Biovac Institute Absa | Corporate and Investment Banking > Insights and Events > In conversation with The Biovac Institute SHARE The COVID-19 vaccination coverage is low in Africa, with less than 2% of the 1.2bn population vaccinated. With Biovac partnering with Pfizer to produce about 100mn doses annually, Liza Eustace, Head of Healthcare, Construction and Hospitality Sectors at Absa CIB, spoke to Dr. Morena Makhoana, CEO of Biovac, about his learnings and predictions during this time. Bio of client: Dr Morena Makhoana Chief Executive Officer Biovac Dr Morena Makhoana joined Biovac in 2004 and holds the role of Chief Executive Officer. Prior to his CEO role at Biovac he held the role of Deputy CEO and prior to that of Medical Affairs Director for Biovac. His mandate is to realise the objective of building vaccine manufacturing capacity in Southern Africa through Biovac Biovac was established to revive vaccine manufacturing capabiity in South Africa. Africa has limited capbility in human vaccine manufacture. Its vision and mission is to establish sustainable world class international African vaccine manufacturing capability by contributing to protecting life through the development, manufacture and supply of much needed and vaccines. During his tenure Biovac has secured two succeful technology transfers with global pharmaceutical companies such as Sanofi and Pfizer that has allowed it to grow its staff complement from 24 to over 320. Morena is a medical graduate from the University of Cape Town (UCT) in South Africa. He has participated in Senior Executive Courses at both Stanford Graduate School of Business and Harvard Business School. He also serves as the Chairperson of the South African College of Applied Science (SACAP)
