Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals in Rwanda
The health system
| Main public facilities listed by RDB | Number |
|---|---|
| Health posts | 1,280 |
| Health centres | 520 |
| Hospitals | 57 |
| National referral hospitals | 5 |
The Ministry of Health counted 2,226 public and private facilities in 2023/24, up from 2,082 a year earlier, and 86% of them provide primary care. Human health and social work added RWF 308 billion to GDP in 2025, 1.3% of the total.
The Fifth Health Sector Strategic Plan
The Fifth Health Sector Strategic Plan (HSSP V), 2024–2029, aims to move closer to universal health coverage. It includes:
- The Kigali Health City, a hub for specialised care, training and research.
- 10 new hospitals and 23 new health centres, and the renovation of 30% of existing facilities.
- A pillar on biomanufacturing of vaccines, medicines and health products.
Medicines and vaccines
The Rwanda FDA reached WHO Maturity Level 3 on 6 December 2024, which means WHO considers it a stable, well-functioning regulator. That matters to medicine makers who want to export from Rwanda.
BioNTech inaugurated its first African mRNA manufacturing site in Kigali in December 2023. The site covers about 35,000 m², BioNTech has committed about USD 150 million to it, and it is expected to employ about 100 people when fully running.
Where investors fit in
RDB lists these openings:
- Manufacturing of medicines, health products and medical equipment.
- Distribution of medical supplies.
- Specialist hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centres.
- Medical, nursing and paramedical schools and e-learning.
- Specialised facilities that attract medical tourism.
Health facilities are licensed by the Ministry of Health, and medicines and medical devices are registered with the Rwanda FDA.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many health facilities does Rwanda have?
2,226 public and private facilities in 2023/24, 86% of them providing primary care.
How many people have health insurance?
More than 86% of people are covered by community health insurance.
What does WHO Maturity Level 3 mean?
The Rwanda FDA reached it on 6 December 2024. It means WHO considers it a stable, well-functioning regulator, which matters to medicine makers who want to export.
Does Rwanda make vaccines?
BioNTech inaugurated an mRNA manufacturing site in Kigali in December 2023. It has committed about USD 150 million to the site.
Sources
- Ministry of Health: Annual Statistical Booklet, fiscal year 2023–2024
- Rwanda Development Board: Health services investment opportunities
- Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority: Rwanda FDA attains WHO Maturity Level 3
- Ministry of Health: Rwanda unveils the Fifth Health Sector Strategic Plan
- BioNTech: BioNTech achieves milestone for mRNA-based vaccine manufacturing in Africa
- National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda: GDP national accounts, second quarter of 2026, tables
- World Health Organization: Senegal and Rwanda achieve WHO Maturity Level 3 in medicines regulation
Figures checked 9 November 2026. Prepared by InvestRwanda.com for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.
