The Ministry of Health is pursuing collaboration with Cyprus as it moves toward becoming a producer of pharmaceutical commodities. The initiative aims to build long-term resilience and self-sufficiency in Botswana’s healthcare sector, acting Minister of Health Lawrence Ookeditse announced during a press conference on Friday.
Mr Ookeditse said the ministry is actively exploring cooperation and investment opportunities in pharmaceutical production, beginning with enhanced collaboration with Cyprus. He emphasized that Botswana must evolve from being a consumer of medicines to a producer, stating, “It is important for Botswana to forge ahead and not only remain consumers, but also grow into producers in the pharmaceutical commodities space. This is how we build a sustainable health system, by developing our own capacity to meet our needs.”
The acting minister highlighted that a recent engagement with a Cypriot delegation marked a crucial step in laying the groundwork for local production and capacity building. The partnership is expected to accelerate Botswana’s efforts to establish a strong pharmaceutical value chain across critical areas of healthcare.
“We are working towards identifying and developing opportunities within the pharmaceutical value chain, including key therapeutic areas such as pediatrics and oncology, where there is a growing need for consistent access to medicines and treatment options,” Mr Ookeditse said. He added that local production would strengthen supply chain resilience while creating economic opportunities through job creation, technology transfer, and increased investment in health infrastructure.
The Ministry of Health is optimistic about the outcomes of discussions with the Cypriot delegation, which focused on technical cooperation, joint ventures, and knowledge exchange. “Engaging Cyprus is vital to our health industry transformation goals. Their support can help us bridge the gap between dependency and self-reliance,” Mr Ookeditse noted.
Both parties identified areas for potential collaboration, including strengthening pharmaceutical supply chains, advancing healthcare technology exchange, and capacity building for healthcare workers.
Cyprus High Commissioner Antonis Mandritis reaffirmed his country’s commitment to deepening bilateral collaboration. He highlighted the vision of transforming Botswana into a regional hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing and healthcare delivery. “Together, by working in partnership, we can build a healthier, stronger Botswana and contribute to global health advancements,” he said.
The initiative signals Botswana’s commitment to self-reliance in healthcare and its drive to develop a sustainable pharmaceutical industry that meets local needs while creating regional impact.
