President Paul Kagame is in Paris, France where he joins other Heads of State and Government for The Global Forum for Vaccine Sovereignty and Innovation, an event hosted by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance in partnership with France and the African Union
The event convenes leaders to launch the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA) initiative, designed by Gavi in collaboration with Africa CDC. The forum will also make the case for donors to invest in a new era of immunization with the launch of Gavi’s replenishment for 2026–2030.
President Kagame will deliver remarks during the opening session alongside the forum hosts President Emmanuel Macron of France, African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, and José Manuel Barroso, the Gavi Board Chair. Other Heads of State present for the forum include President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal.
The African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA) initiative will facilitate the development of a high-value biotechnology sector in Africa while strengthening global vaccine markets to enhance pandemic and outbreak preparedness. The AVMA aims to provide up to $1 billion over the next decade.
More than 90% of Rwanda’s children are vaccinated at health facilities. Gavi has remained the main partner for Rwanda’s vaccination program, providing vaccines in kind as well as financial support for cold chain equipment.
Rwanda continues its effort to achieve vaccine sovereignty, notably with the establishment of the first end-to-end mRNA production facility in Africa. This partnership with BioNTech will allow for vaccine manufacturing that will advance access to vaccines across the continent.