Africa-Press – Botswana. Vice President and Minister of Finance Mr Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe has toured the Botswana Vaccine Institute as government strengthens its response to Foot and Mouth Disease. The visit forms part of a broader national effort to protect Botswana’s livestock sector and preserve its green zone status. Earlier, the Vice President addressed Kgotla meetings in Jackalas No. 1 and Phitshane Molopo where he made it clear that maintaining green zone classification is an economic lifeline for the country. Botswana’s beef exports depend heavily on disease free certification to access premium international markets. Any loss of this status would directly affect farmers, processors and national revenue.
At the Botswana Vaccine Institute, Chief Executive Officer Mr Andrew Madeswi provided a stark assessment of regional vaccine demand. He revealed that Southern Africa requires at least 43 million doses of FMD vaccine to manage current and emerging outbreaks. However, BVI’s optimal annual production capacity stands at around 25 million doses, creating a significant supply gap. As outbreaks intensify in neighbouring countries, pressure on vaccine production continues to rise. This shortfall highlights the urgent need for expanded manufacturing capacity and strategic investment in vaccine infrastructure.
The Vice President used the tour to challenge BVI leadership to refine its long term strategy. He called on the institute to diversify its product portfolio beyond Foot and Mouth Disease and compete as a global vaccine producer. Expanding into other livestock vaccines would reduce reliance on a single product and strengthen revenue streams. He stressed that Botswana must leverage its scientific expertise and reputation to capture regional and international markets. A competitive vaccine industry, he noted, supports industrial growth, skills development and export diversification.
Mr Gaolathe emphasised that protecting the national herd goes beyond animal health management. Livestock contributes significantly to rural incomes, employment and foreign exchange earnings. When disease disrupts production, it weakens household incomes and national economic performance. Effective vaccination programmes, surveillance systems and rapid response mechanisms therefore serve as economic protection tools. By strengthening BVI’s capacity and aligning it with national development priorities, government aims to secure Botswana’s agricultural resilience and long term economic stability.
