The Ministry of Health has launched a 15-year roadmap to transform Rwanda into a hub for vaccine and medical manufacturing by 2040. The Rwanda Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Plan (REPP), released on December 1, aims to reduce the continent’s reliance on imported life-saving medicines. The plan is estimated to cost $500 million. The strategy allocates $300 million for core infrastructure and manufacturing, while $200 million is dedicated to a scientific workforce and advanced research facilities under a new pandemic innovation hub. Through the pandemic innovation hubs, Rwanda aims to detect health threats within 48 hours using AI-powered surveillance systems with 95 percent accuracy. Didier Ndabana, a field epidemiologist at Nyamata Level Two Teaching Hospital, says the REPP represents a bold reimagining of health security. He believes Rwanda is reframing “preparedness” from a simple expense into a high-value sector. He noted that this ambitious target is underpinned by a “one health” approach, which monitors humans, wildlife, and livestock simultaneously. He described the integration as “critical,” citing Rwanda’s high population density and proximity to regional viral hotspots. Breaking “vaccine apartheid” A major goal of the REPP is producing over 50 million vaccine doses and 25 million diagnostic tests annually. The move targets 70 percent self-reliance in finished medical products. ALSO READ: Rwanda’s vaccine production, economic inclusion get €95 million boost from EU Ndabana believes this addresses the “vaccine apartheid” that saw Africa left behind during previous global health crises. By leveraging mRNA platforms such as the BioNTech facility in Kigali, the plan ensures Rwanda and the East African Community (EAC) “are no longer relegated to the end of the global vaccine supply chain,” he said. Ndabana argued that launching the REPP now capitalises on “strong institutional muscle memory” from past epidemics, and international confidence. Health minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, stated in the plan: “Our recent health emergency responses demonstrate both our ability to collaborate and rapidly respond to an outbreak.” Turning health into wealth Beyond saving lives, the REPP is designed to be an economic engine. By 2040, the ministry expects the plan to generate over $650 million in annual revenue, while foreign exchange benefits are predicted to exceed $400 million annually through exports and import substitution, according to the plan. The strategy is also a major job creator, targeting over 2,000 high-skilled positions. The road to 2040 The plan shows the implementation roadmap that follows a four-phase timeline to ensure steady progress toward complete self-reliance. The first stage is the foundation phase from 2026 to 2027, which prioritises resource mobilisation, international benchmarking, and establishing strategic partnerships. This will be followed by a development phase between 2027 and 2029, focused on phased infrastructure development and intensive capacity building. The launch phase in 2030 will see operational capabilities activated and commercial production initiated. The final phase from 2030 to 2040, will focus on capacity expansion and securing long-term regional leadership.
