Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, is fast becoming a leading hub for vaccine manufacturing in Africa, marking a major step toward reducing the continent’s dependence on imported vaccines.
Currently, Africa imports about 99 percent of its vaccines and over 90 percent of its medicines. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed this vulnerability, but Rwanda’s strong health system and community-based response positioned the country to take the lead in driving change.
In 2025, BioNTech’s new mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility in Kigali is expected to begin production, with a capacity of up to 50 million doses annually. The project will enable local production of vaccines for diseases that disproportionately affect Africa.
To support this, the European Union has provided 95 million euros in funding to strengthen Rwanda’s biotech and healthcare infrastructure. The goal is to make Kigali a regional center for vaccine research, production, and innovation.
Rwanda’s model emphasizes health equity and accessibility, ensuring that vaccines produced locally reach citizens quickly through its extensive community health network.
Experts say this initiative could reshape Africa’s healthcare future by cutting costs, shortening supply chains, and giving the continent greater control over its medical needs.
Challenges remain — including the need for skilled professionals, regulatory frameworks, and long-term financing — but Kigali’s progress signals a decisive move toward self-reliance and health security for African
