The facility, which will be built at RAB headquarters in Rubilizi, is a joint initiative between the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) and the Ministry of Health (MINISANTE). It is funded by The Pandemic Fund and is expected to cost more than 24 million USD.

According to officials, the new laboratory will significantly improve the country’s capacity to detect high-risk pathogens early, especially those capable of spreading from animals to humans. It replaces an older facility built in the early 1980s that no longer met the international standards required for handling diseases that pose serious public health threats.

Agriculture and Animal Resources Minister Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe emphasized that the new facility will undergo continuous assessments to ensure quality and safety. He said: "both the infrastructure and the trained personnel working there will allow Rwanda to produce trustworthy diagnostic results."

Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana noted that Rwanda has long relied on foreign laboratories for certain tests leading to high costs and delayed results. He explained, "having such capabilities within the country will speed up detection, reduce expenses, and help identify animal-related outbreaks before they reach the human population."

Beyond its diagnostic role, the lab is expected to support academic research, providing students and scientists with access to advanced equipment and a platform for collaborative studies. Authorities believe it will also position Rwanda to engage more effectively with international research networks.

Together, these investments are expected to strengthen the country’s readiness against diseases such as COVID-19, Marburg, and Rift Valley Fever all of which have animal origins.