Supporting pharmaceutical production in Rwanda

Context

Although medical care in Rwanda has improved significantly in recent years, the country is still dependent on imports for medicines and vaccines. The Rwandan Government therefore wants to establish a regional centre for pharmaceutical and biotechnological production.  

To increase private sector investment, the necessary conditions must first be established. This will help Rwanda produce more medicines within the country, including vaccines. To achieve this, governmental and non-governmental actors in Rwanda need additional skills.

Objective

The conditions in Rwanda for establishing the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector have improved.

Approach

Improving the skills of relevant actors 
The project supports employees of Rwandan authorities to improve the quality of advisory services for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector. At the same time, it advises the Rwanda Food and Drug Authority (FDA) on how to improve its processes and structures. 

Expanding the regulatory infrastructure 
Together with the Rwanda FDA, the project is establishing a national reference laboratory that will ensure the quality of medicines (including vaccines) produced in the country. 

Promoting training and education 
With funding from the European Union (EU), the project is addressing the growing demand for vocational training. It advises vocational training institutions on developing and establishing skills-based training and education programmes for the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sector. 

Enabling knowledge transfer through networks 
The project encourages Rwandan institutions to network with responsible regional and international decision-makers in the sector. Participants attend conferences and then contribute their new knowledge to the development of the sector in Rwanda. 

Last update: March 2025