During the last pandemic, Africa waited at the back of the queue for vaccines. The continent still imports most of its medicines and vaccines. This dependence costs lives whenever global supply chains break down. The African Union wants Africa to produce 60 percent of its own vaccines by 2040. Rwanda has chosen to lead this movement and now hosts a new-generation vaccine factory in Kigali. Yet producing medicines is not enough. Every vaccine must be tested, and every medicine must reach the patient.

Rwanda’s national medical supply company serves more than 2,000 hospitals, health centres and health posts. Its trucks are over ten years old and often off the road. It has no refrigerated truck for heat-sensitive products. Only half of deliveries arrive on time. Stock data remain patchy, so shortages are spotted too late. The national regulator cannot yet test and release vaccines made in Rwanda. Without action, new factories may stand idle while patients face empty shelves.

Access to quality health products

The project aims to make supply faster, smarter and more reliable so that every Rwandan gets quality medicines on time. First, real-time data is given to health leaders to plan and steer the supply chain. Second, the delivery fleet is renewed with refrigerated and district trucks. Third, health workers are trained to manage stocks and use digital tools. Finally, the regulator’s laboratory is equipped and its staff trained to test vaccines.

The project works with the Ministry of Health, Rwanda Medical Supply and the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority. The initiative also engages the Rwanda Biomedical Centre and faith-based and private suppliers. In Gisagara, Karongi, Nyamasheke and Rusizi districts, health facilities receive direct support. 

Belgian expertise

Belgian experts from Sciensano and the University of Liège share their vaccine testing know-how. Working through national institutions rather than parallel structures builds lasting Rwandan ownership. Ultimately, this effort serves all Rwandans, especially mothers, children and people living with chronic diseases.

By 2028, essential medicines should be available in almost every facility, up from eight in ten today. Nine in ten deliveries should arrive on time. Fewer medicines should expire on shelves, saving public money. Buying medicines should take six months instead of nine. Health workers should act before shortages occur. Rwanda should be able to test and release its own vaccines to World Health Organization standards.

This project is about health sovereignty. A country that produces, tests and delivers its own medicines is better prepared for the next crisis. Rwanda’s progress can inspire its neighbours and strengthen Africa’s continental ambitions. The initiative also reflects a partnership of equals between Europe and Africa.

The European Union funds the project with 5 million euros. The project belongs to the Team Europe Initiative on Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines and Health Technologies, known as MAV+. Belgium adds about 1 million euros of expertise to the regulator through its bilateral cooperation. Enabel implements the initiative.