Botswana is pursuing the development of a local pharmaceutical industry following a medicine shortage that prompted a public health emergency last year.
Stephen Modise, the country’s Health Minister, stated that the government is negotiating with international manufacturers, particularly from India, to produce generic drugs locally and train Botswana’s workforce to eventually operate production independently.
The initiative comes amid falling diamond revenues and reduced foreign aid, which have exposed weaknesses in the health system and strained public finances.
Officials are also exploring regional partnerships with South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe to pool procurement and lower drug costs.
By investing in domestic drug production, Botswana hopes to reduce reliance on imports, strengthen supply chains, and better withstand future economic and health shocks.
