Rwanda, IFC partner to set up vaccine production plant

Rwanda has taken a significant step towards enhancing its manufacturing capacity with the recent collaboration agreement signed between the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The agreement focuses on the development of a vaccine production plant in the country, aimed at bolstering Rwanda's healthcare system and creating a robust ecosystem for vaccine manufacturing. Zephanie Niyonkuru, Deputy CEO of RDB, shed light on the partnership and the ambitious plans during an interview with CNBC Africa's Julius Bizimungu. The partnership entails conducting feasibility studies to understand the policies and requirements for setting up the plant. This process is expected to take around 9 months, ensuring that all necessary aspects of the value chain are considered. The collaboration with IFC and discussions with other partners like Team Europe and the European Investment Bank aim to establish a strong healthcare ecosystem in Rwanda. Niyonkuru emphasized that the goal goes beyond producing COVID-19 vaccines, focusing on building a robust healthcare system to address various health challenges and respond to future pandemics. The partnership with Biontech, a technology provider, is a significant step towards achieving this goal, with plans to commence activities in 2022. The project is capital-intensive, but the government's commitment, along with private sector participation and financing, is expected to drive the initiative forward. While the exact investment amount is not disclosed, the syndication model with governmental financial institutions and private sector members is being pursued to ensure the success of the project. The timeline for the plant's operationalization is projected to see the first output by 2032, with multiple phases involved in the process, including sourcing raw materials, production, and quality assurance. Rwanda's vision for vaccine manufacturing underscores its commitment to healthcare development and self-reliance in combating health crises.