The European Union has announced a significant €40 million ($44.4 million) funding initiative to support Rwanda’s pharmaceutical sector. This decision was revealed on the sidelines of the East Africa Pharma and Biotech conference held in Kigali. The funding is intended to enhance local manufacturing capabilities and ensure equitable access to high-quality, safe, effective, and affordable health products.
The EU’s investment will be directed towards several key areas, including pharmaceutical research and development, skills enhancement, entrepreneurial ventures, improvements in supply chains, and strengthening regulatory frameworks. These initiatives were initially pledged by EU President Ursula von der Leyen during a meeting with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in December.
Belen Calvo Uyarra, the EU Ambassador to Rwanda, emphasized that this funding will support Rwanda’s goal of establishing itself as a regional hub for pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. It also aims to develop domestic production capabilities for pharmaceuticals and vaccines.
This funding is part of the Team Europe Initiative, which focuses on improving vaccine, medicine, and health technology manufacturing and access throughout Africa. Yvan Butera, Rwanda’s Minister of State for Health, underscored the government’s commitment to building a pharmaceutical manufacturing hub to enhance access to medical products both within Rwanda and across the African continent. The projects will be implemented through a collaborative effort between EU member state agencies and the Rwandan government.
