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Team Europe Initiative has inked four contracts with Rwanda for a combined €40 million, aiming to strengthen the Rwandan pharmaceutical sector.

The four projects under this most recent initiative will assist the Government of Rwanda's efforts in regulatory strengthening, pharmaceutical research and development (R&D), capacity building (including higher education and vocational training (TVET), supply chains, and entrepreneurship.

Context

In response to the call from African leaders to increase domestic vaccine production in Africa for Africa in accordance with the Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing initiated by the African Union, Team Europe Initiative on Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines, and Health Technologies in Africa (MAV+) was established in May 2021.

MAV+ is trying to develop an industry-friendly climate, train a competent workforce, fortify the regulatory framework, and assist African research and technology transfer as part of the EU's Global Gateway policy. In the end, this premier project advances fair access to high-quality, secure, efficient, and reasonably priced healthcare products. Working closely with African and international partners, Team Europe is allocating around €2 billion to this agenda throughout the continent, including the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator commitment.

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Other initiatives

This is not the first-time collaboration has been agreed upon between Europe, through the Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines, and Health Technologies in Africa (MAV+) and Rwanda to spur on the sector.

One such collaboration is the Twinning Project.

The Twinning project at the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (RFDA) facilitates collaboration with EU National Regulatory Agencies, providing the RFDA with access to expert missions, seminars, workshops, training programs, and study visits. This partnership, involving multiple EU member states, aims to support the RFDA in achieving mutually agreed-upon objectives.

What was said?

“Guided by the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, together with member states France, Sweden, Germany, and Belgium, these projects will support Rwanda in its vision of becoming a regional hub for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry and to establish domestic pharmaceutical and vaccine production,” stated Belen Calvo Uyarra, European Union Ambassador to Rwanda.

Hon. Yvan Butera, the Health Minister of Rwanda, expressed the country’s commitment to enhancing the pharma sector:

 "The Government of Rwanda remains committed to building a pharmaceutical manufacturing hub to facilitate access to medical products within Rwanda and across Africa."

 

Hon. Yvan Butera, the Health Minister of Rwanda

Conclusion

In close coordination with their Rwandan counterparts and other Team Europe actors, the member state agencies Expertise France, Sweden, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and the Belgian Development Agency (Enabel) will implement the current agreed upon projects.

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