Mmegi

Pharmaceuticals present $190m opportunity for growth, innovation

Shot in the arm: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the need for countries such as Botswana to bulk up their pharmaceutical sectors PIC:  VCU NEWS
Shot in the arm: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the need for countries such as Botswana to bulk up their pharmaceutical sectors PIC: VCU NEWS

A study into the potential of developing a pharmaceutical industry in the country has found that strategic investments in policy, skills development, and harnessing the country’s rich biodiversity, could transform the infant sector into a regional powerhouse.

The study was developed last year by the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) in partnership with the European Union’s Africa RISE (Reform for Investment and Sustainable Economies) programme.

The study aims to help Botswana develop its pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities while boosting its competitiveness at both local and regional levels. The consultancy team included three local experts from the University of Botswana who worked alongside the BITC team, reporting to a diverse reference group that validated the findings.

Editor's Comment
Micro-procurement maze demands urgent reform

Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up