Bio Usawa and Pacific Environmental Technologies start biomanufacturing initiative in Africa

In Kigali, Rwanda, on May 22, 2025, Bio Usawa, a biopharmaceutical company, revealed a groundbreaking agreement with Pacific Environmental Technologies to establish modular cGMP biomanufacturing units focused on enhancing healthcare access in Africa. The project aims to address the increasing burden of noncommunicable diseases, especially among underserved regions. Construction is expected to commence this month, with the first unit operational by the end of Q4 2025. The initiative is a direct response to the urgent need for local production of monoclonal antibody therapies for prevalent health challenges, including diabetic macular edema and various cancers. The partnership comes at a crucial time as the continent grapples with rising cases of diseases such as breast cancer and diabetes. Breast cancer rates have surged, with approximately 23 percent of cases being HER2-positive subtypes, while non-Hodgkin's lymphoma accounts for around 66 percent of lymphoma cases in Africa. The urgency for effective treatments has been amplified by staggering statistics from the International Diabetes Federation, indicating that 24.6 million people in Africa were affected by diabetes in 2024, with projections suggesting that this number could double by 2050. Diabetic retinopathy, affecting about one-third of diabetics, leads to significant vision complications, underscoring the vital necessity for affordable biologics. Bio Usawa's commitment is driven by a dedicated team of professionals with extensive experience in the biopharmaceutical sector. Their strategy aligns with partnerships facilitated by the Rwandan FDA, aiming to solidify collaborations with key African government stakeholders in countries like Kenya and Senegal. The goal is to overcome historical limitations in biopharmaceutical infrastructure and expand access to advanced therapies across the continent. By initiating this project in both Rwanda and Kenya, Bio Usawa and Pacific Environmental Technologies aim to create a sustainable model of healthcare that prioritizes local biomanufacturing. This endeavor not only addresses the current healthcare disparity but also builds a foundation for long-term self-sufficiency in biopharmaceutical production in Africa. According to Dr. Menghis Bairu, CEO of Bio Usawa, this is just the beginning of a broader vision for resilient healthcare access in Africa.