Inauguration of the first BioNTech Africa manufacturing site

An event on 18 December 2023 marked the inauguration of the first BioNTech Africa manufacturing site in Kigali, Rwanda. The inauguration took place on the occasion of the set-up of the first manufacturing unit called BioNTainer. This effort is one of BioNTech’s multiple initiatives aimed at helping to build a sustainable and resilient African vaccine ecosystem and supporting equitable access to novel medicines globally: these cover research and development, clinical trials, manufacturing and local training of specialized personnel.

The event featured several distinguished speakers, including HE Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda; HE Macky Sall, President of Senegal; HE Nana Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana; HE Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados; HE Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission; HE Ursula von der Leyen President of the European Commission; HE Annalena Baerbock, Germany Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs; Hon Dr Mathume Joseph Phaahla, Minister of Health for South Africa; Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank. Dr Thomas Nyirenda, Strategic Partnerships & Capacity Development Manager and Head of Africa Office, represented EDCTP at the launch event.