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BioNTech Launches First Manufacturing Plant for mRNA Vaccines in Africa in Rwanda

Key Developments

BioNTech Launches First Manufacturing Plant for mRNA Vaccines in Africa in Rwanda

German biotech giant BioNTech has taken a significant step toward its ambitious goal of producing mRNA vaccines in Africa by setting up the first BioNTainer at its manufacturing facility in Kigali, Rwanda.
 

This marks a crucial milestone just one year after the project’s groundbreaking.

The first BioNTainer, a prefabricated modular unit designed for rapid deployment and efficient mRNA production, represents a $150 million investment fully financed by BioNTech.

The overall facility spans a vast 35,000 square meters and will ultimately employ around 100 staff members once operational.

While full commercial production is still slated for 2025, BioNTech is on track to complete the construction of all buildings at the Kigali site in 2024.

Additionally, the company plans to begin local training for specialized personnel and initiate test mRNA production for process validation within the same year.

BioNTech intends to launch clinical trials in 2024 for vaccine candidates targeting malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV – diseases that claim over two million lives annually in Africa, disproportionately impacting children.

Upon successful development and regulatory approval, BioNTech aims to make these vaccines available to lower-income countries at a non-profit price.

BioNTech’s commitment to bringing mRNA vaccine technology to Africa is not just about building infrastructure but also about fostering partnerships and ensuring equitable access to life-saving vaccines.

The first BioNTainer in Kigali symbolizes a promising step in this direction, offering hope for a future where advanced medical solutions are available to all.

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Ghanaian-Swiss Cocoa Upcycling Startup Koa Secures US$15 Million to Revolutionize Industry

New Investments

Ghanaian-Swiss Cocoa Upcycling Startup Koa Secures US$15 Million to Revolutionize the Industry

Koa, a Swiss-Ghanaian cocoa upcycling startup, has secured a landmark US$15 million investment in its Series B funding round to transform the cocoa industry with its innovative approach to sustainability and farmer empowerment.
 

This capital injection was led by the Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) Fund from Mirova and the Regenerative Growth Fund 1 managed by Zebra Impact and Mirabaud.

The funding will fuel Koa’s ambitious plans to tenfold its current production, empower 10,000 additional cocoa smallholders, and champion regenerative agriculture practices.

By doing so, Koa aims to tackle the twin challenges of food waste and climate change, while simultaneously boosting farm incomes and carving a sustainable path for the future of cocoa.

Unlike the traditional model that discards the juicy cocoa fruit after extracting the beans, Koa sees hidden potential in it.

Through their newly inaugurated processing facility in Ghana, the company ingeniously transforms the fruit pulp into value-added ingredients for the food and beverage industry, creating everything from smoothies and juices to chocolates and snacks.

By collaborating with Ghanaian farmers and sharing its upcycling technology, Koa empowers local communities, generates additional income for families, and reduces food waste on farms.

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“We are delighted to partner with ISA to support the development of solar energy in Africa,” said Alain Ebobissé, CEO of Africa50. “This partnership will help to accelerate the deployment of solar energy in Africa and improve the lives of millions of Africans,” he added.

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