News Update: Inauguration of Africa's first mRNA manufacturing facility in Rwanda

Dec 29, 2023

Hi all,

time for our news roundup. As the year draws to a close, the past two weeks have been relatively quiet, but let's look at some highlights:

Read on for more!

We wish you all a great start into the new year!

WIC Capital secured a US$1 million loan from FSDAi Nyala Facility BV to invest in women-owned businesses in Senegal and Ivory Coast
Rwanda, in partnership with Germany's KfW Development Bank, has secured a €15.6 million grant to create an Export Credit Guarantee Facility aimed at supporting SMEs in the export sector.
SA-based “Entrepreneurs For Entrepreneurs” Africa announces 1st close of US$30m Fund II to invest in fintech, edtech, e-health and energy across Africa

Africa's economic expansion depends on empowering its SME sector. But African SMEs require more than just financial support for growth; they need access to markets, skills, infrastructure, and regulatory support.

Angola: A UAE business group plans to invest $30 million in rice and avocado production in Angola, potentially creating up to 1,300 jobs.
Tanzania: The National Irrigation Commission plans to develop an irrigation project in Bugwema Valley, Tanzania to enable farming independent of rainfall and boost agricultural productivity.
Tanzania: Tanzania's government is encouraging local farmers to adopt new technologies and invest in agribusiness, particularly in edible oil production, while also aiming to ease regulatory barriers for investors.

Namibia: Namibia announces first Global African Hydrogen Summit in September 2024 focusing on Africa's role in the hydrogen market and green energy projects.
Madagascar: Axian Energy receives $30m loan from Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund to roll out 460 MW of renewable energy capacity
Kenya: Safi Protocol leverages blockchain to connect cryptocurrency investors directly with clean energy projects in Africa. Operating in Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, and Nigeria, it has onboarded 50 clean energy projects.

Tanzania: E-Motion Africa partners with local companies and Arusha Technical College to retrofit internal combustion engines into electric e-safari vehicles and establish charging stations, promoting sustainable, eco-friendly tourism.
Rwanda: Ampersand has secured $19.5 million in funding to boost electric motorcycle battery production, expand their battery swap station network, and advance research and development on battery technology and software.

Rwanda: BioNTech launched a new modular vaccine plant in Rwanda for manufacturing mRNA vaccines; it includes advanced manufacturing and support structures, and aims to employ around 100 people, enhancing local expertise in mRNA vaccine production.

Rwanda: A new fertiliser blending factory aims to increase crop yields by 40% by creating custom fertilisers, exceeding the country's current annual demand.
Kenya: Kenya and the European Union have signed an economic partnership agreement, granting Kenya duty and quota-free access to the EU market. This deal will enhance manufacturing, value addition, and entrepreneurship, creating jobs and boosting incomes.

Ghana: Oceansmall is transforming the fishing industry by connecting small-scale fishing communities to markets through its digital platform (delivery app, cold storage solutions).

Uganda: Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni launched the Electronic Investors Protection Portal, a digital platform to enhance investment processes in Uganda by providing guidance, handling inquiries, and facilitating connections between investors and government agencies.

Exseede - Africa