Rwanda as a Hub for Global Health and Vaccine Innovation
A Cabinet meeting chaired by President Paul Kagame on June 9, 2025, approved Prof. Nicaise Ndembi, Deputy Director General of the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), as the IVI Regional Director for Africa. This decision marks a significant milestone in the continent’s efforts to strengthen its health infrastructure and vaccine development capabilities. Earlier, on February 27, 2025, the international organization selected Rwanda as the host country for its African regional office. The selection was confirmed by the IVI Board of Trustees after a thorough evaluation of proposals from five African countries that had expressed interest in hosting the office.
Rwanda’s bid stood out due to its strong regulatory environment, ease of doing business, and strategic location. The country has demonstrated political will and institutional strength, with a growing ecosystem of health and pharmaceutical innovation. Institutions like the African Medicines Agency (AMA), the African Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation (APTF), and BioNTech’s mRNA facility are all based in Rwanda, reinforcing its position as a key player in global health.
A Vision for Africa’s Health Future
Prof. Ndembi, a Cameroonian virologist who previously served as Principal Advisor to the Director General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), emphasized the importance of Rwanda’s role in shaping Africa’s health landscape. He described the country as a hub for global health and pharmaceutical innovation, noting the recent appointments of key figures such as the inaugural CEO of the African Medicines Agency and the presence of organizations like the Susan Buffett Foundation and Mastercard Foundation.
Ndembi also highlighted the significance of IVI’s mission. Established in 1997, IVI is a UN-chartered international organization dedicated to discovering, developing, and delivering vaccines for global health. The institute has played a pivotal role in creating some of the world’s most used vaccines, including the oral cholera vaccine and typhoid vaccines. Over 100 million doses of these vaccines have been deployed globally, saving countless lives.
Priorities and Challenges in Vaccine Development
IVI focuses on what it calls “syndemics” — co-existing health threats that require targeted interventions. These include emerging and re-emerging diseases such as Marburg, Ebola, Lassa Fever, and Chikungunya, as well as endemic diseases like HIV, TB, and malaria. Non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, mental health issues, and injuries are also high on the agenda.
Given limited funding and increasing geopolitical constraints, IVI must prioritize its efforts. Ndembi shared insights into the framework developed during his time at Africa CDC, which identified 22 key diseases grouped into legacy vaccines, outbreak-related, and endemic categories. HPV is a top priority, with plans to vaccinate over 150 million Africans by 2030. IVI is also working on Rift Valley Fever vaccines with African Biologics in South Africa, a company known for its work on Moderna’s mRNA technology.
Transformative Impact of IVI in Africa
The presence of IVI in Africa is transformative, contributing directly to four foundational pillars of vaccine manufacturing capacity: technology transfer, talent development, regulatory strengthening, and infrastructure expansion. IVI is currently working with BioVac in South Africa to transfer cholera vaccine production, which could help alleviate global shortages and enhance Africa’s vaccine autonomy.
In terms of talent, IVI is investing heavily in training the next generation of African vaccine experts, with upcoming vaccinology courses scheduled in Kigali. The institute is also supporting national agencies to reach WHO regulatory maturity and expanding clinical trial capabilities in Rwanda, positioning the country as a continental hub for vaccine research.
Collaboration and Future Prospects
IVI collaborates closely with major institutions in Rwanda, including BioNTech, AMA, APTF, and the East African Community, as well as development partners like GIZ and the European Union. These collaborations involve coordinated working groups to avoid duplication and leverage strengths. For instance, IVI is helping establish clinical trial sites across Rwanda in partnership with the EU’s Math+ Project, which could place the country firmly on the global map for vaccine testing and development.
While IVI does not manufacture vaccines itself, it plays a crucial role in the upstream process, from discovery and development to WHO pre-qualification. Once a vaccine reaches this stage, it is handed over to manufacturers for large-scale production. IVI is currently developing two vaccines expected to be ready soon: a simplified oral cholera vaccine by 2028 and a Rift Valley Fever vaccine, both in partnership with African manufacturers.
A Call for Self-Sufficiency
Ndembi stressed the need for Africa to achieve self-sufficiency in vaccine production. He noted that the continent lost $800 billion yearly due to preventable diseases and emphasized the importance of coordinated research, policy, and funding. With 1.5 billion people, Africa cannot afford to manufacture just 1% of its vaccines. He called for greater investment in diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines to ensure long-term health security.
When not working, Ndembi enjoys hiking, golf, and exploring Rwanda’s natural and historical sites. He has visited chimpanzee habitats and the Kigali Genocide Memorial, highlighting the country’s rich cultural and environmental heritage. As IVI’s office in Rwanda continues to grow, Ndembi remains optimistic about the future of vaccine innovation and global health in Africa.
