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Today, more than 12 companies collaborate with the
programme, showing increasing trust and demand.

Equally important is who the programme reaches. Across
four cohorts, 63% of participants have been women.
More than 85% came from historically disadvantaged
institutions across South Africa. Participants from other
African countries, namely Kenya, Malawi, Ethiopia and
Nigeria, were also included, making up 5.7% of the total.
This diversity strengthens not only representation but
also the future of the sector in Africa itself.

Building a Sustainable Bioeconomy

The success of the CSSFF–SAMRC programme did
not happen by chance. It was the result of careful
coordination between universities, national research
bodies, and private industry. Each partner plays a role. A strong soft-skills component has also been added,
Universities align their teaching with industry needs. including CV writing and interview preparation. These
Research institutions provide direction, infrastructure, are often the practical steps that determine whether a
and funding support. Companies offer practical exposure, graduate secures employment.
mentorship, and employment opportunities.
There is no single formula that works for all youth
This three-way collaboration builds more than skills. development programmes. However, what this initiative
It strengthens the biopharmaceutical ecosystem. The demonstrates is that training must be practical, responsive,
programme continuously evolved, with training modules and connected to real industry demand. Africa does not
updated after each cohort based on industry feedback. need training centres that simply produce certificates. It

THE COMMUNITY ISSUE 23