The Southern African Biomanufacturing Training Hub (SA-BTH), hosted by the CSIR, is offering a five-day practical training course titled “From Lab to Market: Formulating Microbes for Commercial Success (I-BTH01)”.

The course forms part of the Strengthening Biomanufacturing Capabilities in Southern Africa programme, which is supported by KfW Development Bank. The broader programme aims to strengthen biomanufacturing capabilities and develop a skilled workforce across Africa.

The training is designed for African manufacturers, scientists and other key stakeholders involved in developing and scaling biomanufacturing processes and products. A central objective is to provide both theoretical and practical skills that can support local manufacturing of biologics, vaccines, recombinant proteins and therapeutics.

This particular course focuses on the formulation of microbial bioactives into stable, effective products that meet end-user requirements, with applications extending into the industrial, agricultural and environmental sectors.

Course Focus

Participants will develop knowledge and practical competencies in:

• Microbial strain selection
• Product formulation principles
• Stabilisation and preservation of bio-based products
• Production workflow design for microbial formulations
• Quality assurance
• Packaging, shelf life and delivery mechanisms for bio-based products. 

Examples of products covered include enzymes, agricultural products and probiotics.

Why This Opportunity Is Relevant

The training addresses an important part of the biomanufacturing value chain: moving microbial technologies beyond laboratory development and towards stable, usable and commercially relevant products.

The practical emphasis makes this particularly relevant to organisations and individuals working on the development, scale-up or commercialisation of bio-based products, especially where formulation, preservation, quality control and delivery are barriers to market readiness.

Who Should Attend?

Preference will be given to:

• Current staff in the biomanufacturing sector who require skills expansion or upgrading.
• New or developing staff entering the biomanufacturing sector.
• Staff or new recruits being prepared for a biomanufacturing facility.
• Staff from biomanufacturing facilities currently under construction that will require a skilled workforce. 

Eligibility

Applications are open to qualified persons from all African Union Member States.

Applicants must:

• Hold a degree or diploma in biological science or related engineering.
• Be working in, entering or being prepared for roles connected to the biomanufacturing sector, with preference given to the groups identified above.
• Be available to participate in the five-day, in-person course in Pretoria, South Africa. 

Young African women are specifically encouraged to apply.

Course Delivery

The course will be delivered in person and combines:

• Classroom-based lectures
• Hands-on practical training. 

Course Date and Venue

Dates: 5–9 October 2026
Duration: 5 days
Venue: CSIR Pretoria Campus, South Africa.

Funding / Financial Support

A maximum of 20 candidates will be selected.

South African Candidates

For selected South African candidates, the funding package includes:

• Full course fees
• Travel expenses, including flights for up to 10 participants from outside Gauteng
• Accommodation for the duration of the on-site training
• One return ground transfer between the airport and accommodation
• Daily ground transport between accommodation and the CSIR course venue. 

Candidates from Other African Countries

The programme will award five scholarships to participants from Africa, based on the motivations submitted.

However, applicants should note that subsistence and travel allowances will not be covered for these scholarship recipients.

This distinction is important for applicants: the opportunity is open across Africa, but the number and nature of funded places differ between South African candidates and the five African scholarship places.

Countries

All African Union Member States are eligible to apply, subject to the qualification and other requirements stated in the course announcement.

Training location: South Africa
Primary venue: CSIR Pretoria Campus

Application Deadline

4 September 2026.

Selection / Notification

Selected candidates will be notified by:

14 September 2026.

The five African scholarships will be awarded based on the motivations submitted.

Application Process

Applicants must complete the designated application form provided by the Southern African Biomanufacturing Training Hub.

Applicants should ensure that they meet the qualification requirement and clearly demonstrate their relevance to the biomanufacturing sector, particularly where their current or planned role involves developing the required workforce for biomanufacturing activities.

Limitations / Important Considerations

Applicants should take note of the following:

• Participation is limited to a maximum of 20 candidates. 
• The training is fully in person and takes place at the CSIR Pretoria Campus. 
• Applicants must hold a biological science or related engineering degree or diploma. 
• Only five scholarships are specifically allocated to participants from Africa outside the South African funding arrangement. 
• Subsistence and travel allowances are not covered for the five African scholarship recipients. 
• South African candidates receive the more extensive travel and accommodation support described in the announcement, subject to the stated limits. 

Important Dates

Application deadline: 4 September 2026
Selected candidates notified: 14 September 2026
Course: 5–9 October 2026
Duration: 5 days

Organiser / Host

Southern African Biomanufacturing Training Hub (SA-BTH)
Hosted by: CSIR
Supported by: KfW Development Bank
Programme: Strengthening Biomanufacturing Capabilities in Southern Africa.

Click HERE to apply.