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EIB and European Commission Join Forces with BioNTech to Build a Sustainable Vaccine Ecosystem in Africa

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Commission have teamed up with BioNTech to support the development of a messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine manufacturing facility in Kigali, Rwanda. The project, which aims to strengthen Africa's ability to produce investigational or approved vaccines for infectious diseases, will receive up to €95 million in blended EIB and EC financing. This support will help BioNTech advance its manufacturing site and produce mRNA vaccines for diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, and mpox.

Key Takeaways:

  • The project will receive up to €95 million in blended EIB and EC financing, with a €35 million Commission grant and a possibility to take out a loan of up to €60 million from the EIB.
  • The facility will produce mRNA vaccines for diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, and mpox, and will use BioNTech's "BioNTainers" to quickly set up and adapt to produce different vaccines.
  • The facility will be the first commercial mRNA vaccine facility on the continent and will produce vaccines for widespread use, as well as support clinical development by manufacturing clinical trial materials for local partners.
  • The project aims to build skills, create jobs, and strengthen Rwanda's role as a hub for medical innovation.
  • The project is the result of close collaboration between BioNTech, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), and Team Europe partners, EC and EIB.
  • The project supports the EU's Global Gateway strategy and aligns with the African Union's goal for the continent to produce 60% of its vaccines by 2040.
  • CEPI's support, including a grant of up to €130 million announced in 2024, will help ensure that vaccines produced at the Kigali site will be accessible and affordable for those who need them most.

Statistics:

  • €95 million in blended EIB and EC financing will support the project.
  • €35 million Commission grant will be provided to BioNTech to support the project.
  • €60 million loan from the EIB is possible for BioNTech to take out.
  • €130 million CEPI grant announced in 2024 will support the project.
  • The facility will produce mRNA vaccines for diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, and mpox.

Sources:

  • European Investment Bank
  • European Union, 2025

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