The pharmaceutical sector in Rwanda is heavily reliant on imports, with limited pharmaceutical companies in Rwanda involved in manufacturing. Apex Biotech, a Bangladesh and Rwandan owned pharma firm is the first approved pharmaceutical manufacturing factory in Rwanda.
Rwanda is a member of the East African Community (EAC) that also has members such as Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Burundi and South Sudan. The region has a high population but less healthcare spending. There are only 35 active pharmaceutical manufacturers, with only two that have WHO cGMP approval.
They mostly rely on India and China for their drug needs. They import raw materials, finished pharmaceutical products, and almost non-existent production of active ingredients.
Rwanda is also trying to privatise the pharma sector. The Rwanda FDA, in the capital city Kigali, is charged with regulation of medicines. They inspect and monitor drugs, register the drugs, and carry out quality assurance tests on drugs before they become accessible to the public.
