Construction of first vaccine production plant begins in Rwanda

Last week, Rwandan President Paul Kagame joined officials from BioNTech to break ground for the site that will host the first vaccine manufacturing plant in Rwanda. Holm Keller, Chairman of KenUp Foundation, spoke to CNBC Africa about the ambitious project that aims to bring mRNA vaccine production to the African continent. The chairman revealed that within six months, the first mRNA vaccine factory in Africa will be operational, with production slated to start early next year. The facility will focus on producing vaccines dedicated to patients on the African continent, potentially including the upcoming malaria vaccine from BioNTech and cutting-edge oncology drugs. Notably, the plant is expected to manufacture 50 million doses of vaccine initially, with the capacity to scale up to 100 million doses quickly. Additionally, plans are in place to produce tuberculosis and potentially HIV vaccines in the future. Beyond vaccines, the plant will also manufacture oncological therapeutic vaccines.\n The project also addresses the critical need for training and knowledge transfer in operating such advanced facilities. As part of the effort, the African Institute for Biomanufacturing will be established in Rwanda, ensuring continuous training and qualification programs for the local workforce. The initiative involves multilateral efforts with countries like Ghana, Senegal, South Africa, and potentially Kenya. KenUp Foundation's collaboration with BioNTech marks a significant shift in the healthcare industry, as the focus moves towards making a societal impact while ensuring financial sustainability. The company aims to offer vaccines at price points that are acceptable to African Union countries, reducing the reliance on foreign aid. By manufacturing locally, the goal is to make vaccines more affordable and accessible to the African population. The strategy involves working directly with public health systems in African countries, rather than relying on international donors or private entities. This approach seeks to ensure equitable access to vaccines for all African residents. BioNTech's investment in the Rwandan plant, which will eventually be majority-owned by the Rwandan government, demonstrates a commitment to supporting healthcare development in Africa. The long-term vision includes setting up similar plants in Senegal, Ghana, and South Africa. While the focus is currently on establishing the Rwandan plant, the plan is to have these additional facilities operational in the near future, contributing to strengthening local manufacturing capabilities and improving healthcare outcomes across the continent.