Gelsomina Vigliotti, vice-president of the European Investment Bank (EIB), underlined the importance of the African Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation in advancing healthcare and pharmaceutical innovation in Africa at the signing of a memorandum of understanding in Kigali, Rwanda on 18 December, 2023.
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Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Biruta,
Federal Economic Cooperation and Development State Secretary Kofler,
African Development Bank President Adesina,
Professor Padmashree,
Your excellencies, Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is a pleasure to here in Kigali and to address you on behalf of the European Investment Bank – as we, together, celebrate this milestone in setting up the African Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation (APTF).
The APTF initiative stands as a beacon of progress, symbolising our collective commitment to transforming pharmaceutical production, advancing vaccine development and fostering medical innovation here in Africa.
Rwanda, with its essential skills and commitment to collaboration, is a natural home for Africa's new pharmaceutical technology hub, a key partner for EIB health engagement worldwide.
Two years ago, we confirmed the largest ever EIB financing for health investment in East Africa, combined with grant support from the European Union, to finance construction of a new medical diagnosis and research facility at Rwanda’s National Health Laboratory here in Kigali. Upgrading medical diagnosis will enable Rwandans to benefit from high quality health care and ensures responding to future pandemics.
Our support for the APTF, part of Europe’s Global Gateway investment partnership, shows the results of close collaboration with the African Development Bank, Team Europe and global development finance partners.
The European Investment Bank will provide technical support and ensure that healthcare and pharmaceutical innovation across Africa can access the necessary financial backing.
EIB support for the APTF builds on the decades of close cooperation with the African Development Bank, learning from each other and jointly financing transformational investment and sharing technical best practice.
The foundation of the APTF rests upon the tragic legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic and the stark realisation that future pandemics can only be defeated through global cooperation and inclusive engagement.
Protecting and improving public health can only be achieved by improving access to technology and skills, and enhancing resilience in the face of health crises.
The European Investment Bank, the world’s largest international public bank, is committed to backing visionary public health initiatives around the world.
EIB Global’s focus extends to improving primary health care and diagnostics, combating diseases such as polio, and scaling up life sciences across Africa.
The EIB stands as a leading financier of health and life science investments worldwide, exemplified by our provision of over €5 billion for new health investments in the past year alone.
These investments are expected to benefit more than 980 million people, underscoring the transformative impact of our collective efforts.
Fellow health partners, together, the visionary model of the African Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation can improve lives, share best practice health solutions and collectively prepare better for the challenges of future pandemics.
The European Investment Bank is steadfast in its commitment to fostering a legacy of cooperation, innovation and progress in the realm of global health security, and to contribute to a healthier, more resilient future for all.
Thank you.