BOMAID to expand condom production

Boniface Keakabetse | Wednesday April 27, 2016 11:50

 

BOMaid principal officer, Moraki Mokgosana, told a recent stakeholders meeting in Maun that the world will need 20 billion condoms by 2020 and Alpha Access plans to capitalise on the opportunity.

World Health Organisation and UNAIDS have called for 20 billion condoms to be availed in Africa by 2020. This calls for investments by donors, governments and private sector for promotion and distribution of condoms to ensure access.

Moreover, the local demand is estimated at more than 36 million condoms and associated products per year while the demand at SADC level is also projected to be on the increase.

The condom factory in Gaborone has a capacity to produce two million latex products monthly but currently supplies only the local market. BOMaid has announced plans for improved global access of their products as the entity explores fresh markets for its latex and other products. They are adamant that if well pursued, the global condom market is a huge opportunity.  Consequently, the entity would have to raise capital to fund the condom facility expansion.

South View acquired the assets of the liquidated Latex Medical Products in 2013 to establish the condom facility.

In a follow up interview, South View, sales and marketing manager, Beulah Mapitse said, “we manufacture products that meet the world standards albeit still producing at a smaller scale.” She explained that they are exploring a number of options to grow their condom business such as negotiating with government to exempt the facility from paying tax for it to grow.

During the stakeholders’ meeting on Monday, Mokgosana said the establishment of South View, which has taken over the administration functions from the society, came after BOMaid’s rebranding in 2015.

South View drives and manages the growth of commercial investment interest of BOMaid which includes fund administration, pharmaceuticals, property and clinics, medical supplies and the condom factory. 

Mokgosana said BOMaid was committed to growing reserves to remain resilient against the onslaught of new market entrants, become more innovative and improve quality of customer service.

It was also announced during the meeting that BOMaid is in the process of opening an office in Maun to service the Ngamiland and Chobe districts. It was explained that this will cut the inconvenience members incurred when accessing services as far as Francistown and Gaborone.