Africa’s vision for vaccine self-reliance has taken a major leap forward following the announcement of a landmark partnership between the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Commission (EC), and German biotech giant BioNTech to establish the continent’s first commercial-scale mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility in Rwanda.
The deal, unveiled this week, provides up to €95 million in blended financing for the project, comprising a €35 million grant from the European Commission and an optional €60 million loan from the EIB. The initiative forms part of Team Europe’s Global Gateway strategy, aimed at bolstering Africa’s health sovereignty and industrial capacity.
Once operational, the Kigali-based facility will be capable of producing vaccines targeting malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, and mpox, pending successful development and regulatory approval. The plant will utilise BioNTech’s modular “BioNTainer” technology, featuring scalable, containerised production units that can be rapidly reconfigured to manufacture different vaccine types.
Beyond vaccine production, the site is envisioned as a training and innovation hub for African scientists and technicians, supporting local biotechnology education and clinical research capacity.
“This partnership is about empowering Africa with the tools and expertise to tackle health challenges independently,” said Karl Nehammer, EIB Vice-President responsible for health. “By supporting vaccine production in Africa, for Africa, we are investing in health security, job creation, and long-term innovation.”
The investment aligns with the African Union’s goal of producing 60% of vaccines domestically by 2040, a target designed to reduce dependence on external supply chains that left the continent vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sierk Poetting, BioNTech’s Chief Operating Officer, said the project represents a cornerstone in building a sustainable, end-to-end vaccine ecosystem across Africa.
“Global health challenges are too vast for one actor to solve alone,” Poetting noted. “Our partnership with the EU, EIB, CEPI, and African institutions is about creating a resilient system that delivers long-term health benefits.”
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has also pledged up to €130 million in support for the Kigali facility to ensure vaccines remain affordable and accessible. The plant will operate under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, strengthening Africa’s standing as a credible global player in vaccine production.
Jozef Síkela, EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, highlighted that the investment builds on the EU’s broader commitment to Africa’s pharmaceutical independence.
“The EU has already invested more than €1.9 billion in local vaccine and medicine manufacturing,” he said. “This project takes that commitment further by building scientific expertise and regional resilience.”
As Africa moves closer to producing its own vaccines, the Kigali facility stands as a powerful symbol of innovation, partnership, and continental self-reliance — marking a historic milestone in the continent’s pursuit of health sovereignty.
Article by RB Correspondent
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