We write to introduce the African Vaccinology Network (AfVANET) as a new network of African research scientists involved in vaccine research and development (R&D) for human and animal diseases. The goal of this network is to promote and build capacity for early phase vaccine R&D in Africa in order to stimulate the development of innovative solutions to combat diseases that affect the continent. This will be achieved by bringing together different stakeholders in vaccinology and related sciences in Africa to identify and prioritise gaps in vaccine development for both human and animal diseases and to promote sound ethics, biosafety, biosecurity and animal welfare practices, facilitate the mobility of students and early career ...