The funding will support various sectors, including pharmaceutical manufacturing, education, food and drug inspection, and technological advancements related to vaccine production.
EU Ambassador Belén Calvo Uyarra highlighted that this grant was initially pledged by the EU President in December 2023 during the inauguration of BioNTech's facility in Kigali. The initiative aligns with Rwanda's broader plan to become a key hub for vaccine production in Africa.
The grant will help expand cooperation in the availability and production of vaccines, medicines, and medical technologies, underscoring a deepening partnership between Rwanda and the EU.
The project will involve companies from several EU countries, including France, Sweden, Germany, and Belgium, focusing on research, capacity-building for healthcare workers, and enhancing the pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing supply chain.
Ambassador Uyarra emphasized the importance of this partnership in bolstering global preparedness, particularly after the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. The EU has also extended collaborations to other African countries, including Ghana, Senegal, and South Africa.
Dr. Yvan Butera, Rwanda's State Minister for Health, expressed optimism about the project's potential, noting that it would significantly enhance Rwanda's ability to produce vaccines and medicines. He added that this initiative would not only benefit Rwanda but also contribute to improving healthcare across Africa and beyond.
Dr. Butera stressed the importance of building strong institutions through collaboration, highlighting that the project aims to address challenges in vaccine production by empowering professionals and institutions in the field.
As part of the initiative, the EU will provide specialized training and support for professionals in Rwanda's health sector, with a focus on developing skills in advanced pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing.
There will also be close collaboration with technical and vocational schools to ensure that students are equipped with the necessary expertise for the industry.
In addition to enhancing production capabilities, the agreement will focus on strengthening Rwanda's regulatory framework. The EU will work alongside the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA) to improve guidelines and regulations, with a specific focus on vaccine and medicine distribution.
Dr. Butera expressed confidence in the outcomes of this project, stating that it will bring tangible progress in Rwanda's goal of becoming a hub in vaccine and medicine production.
IGIHE
