BioNTech to Build Vaccine Factory in Africa Starting Next Year

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] BioNTech, which co-developed the COVID-19 vaccine with Pfizer, will build mRNA vaccine factories in Senegal and Rwanda starting from mid-next year.

On the 26th (local time), BioNTech announced that it signed such agreements with the Rwandan government and the Pasteur Institute of Senegal.

The annual production capacity of the mRNA factory, the first to be established in Africa, is 50 million doses. It plans to produce various mRNA-based vaccines not only for COVID-19 but also for malaria, tuberculosis, and others.

BioNTech explained that this agreement aims to prevent the recurrence of regional health disparities revealed by COVID-19.

Ugur Sahin, CEO of BioNTech, said, "Our goal is to build sustainable vaccine production capabilities so that the African Union (AU) can develop vaccines and improve healthcare services in Africa."

BioNTech made this announcement shortly after Moderna revealed that it plans to sell 101,000,000 vaccine doses in Africa on the same day. Moderna stated that it will meet the required supply in Africa by 2023 and build manufacturing plants on the continent.

Africa, with a population of 1.3 billion, has a vaccination rate of only 5% due to vaccine supply shortages and concerns about side effects.