Renowned German biotechnology company BioNTech will be inaugurated on December 18.

Since 2021, the government of Rwanda has been working with BioNTech on the construction of a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant for mRNA-based vaccines.

"Everyone is expecting the factory to be launched. That will happen before the end of this year, to kick-off operations in research of vaccines and therapeutics and vaccine manufacturing, though it will not be instant production as it’s a process that takes time,” said Dr Sabin Nsanzimana, the Minister of Health.

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A memorandum of understanding signed between the two parties in 2021 led to the establishment of a BioNTech facility in the Special Economic Zone in Gasabo District in June 2022.

After months of serious work that involved the shipping and installation of BioNTainers (facilities equipped to manufacture a range of mRNA-based vaccines), the factory is now ready.

The Rwanda-based facility covers an area of about 30,000 square metres. It is equipped with BioNTainers (for the production of mRNA and formulated bulk drug products).

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The plant is expected to start by producing 50 million vaccines, but production will increase depending on the demand.

BioNTech’s initiatives are part of a collaborative effort with key partners to promote equitable vaccine access and sustain pandemic preparedness. The company's goal is to contribute to a vaccine ecosystem on the continent while meeting its partner countries’ interests. Discussions on partnerships are ongoing.

According to BionTech, the facility is expected to become the first node in a decentralised and robust end-to-end manufacturing network in Africa.

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Vaccines from such infrastructures will be intended for people residing in member states of the African Union, with the aim to support access to novel medicines.

BioNTech is advancing mRNA-based vaccine candidates to address malaria and tuberculosis based on the Company’s mRNA platform.