Vice President and Minister of Finance, Mr Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe, toured the Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI) as Government ramps up efforts to contain Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
The visit follows Kgotla meetings in Jackalas No. 1 and Phitshane Molopo, where the Vice President stressed that Botswana’s green zone status is not optional it is an economic lifeline.
At BVI, Chief Executive Officer Andrew Madeswi revealed that the region requires at least 43 million FMD vaccine doses, while BVI’s optimal production capacity stands at approximately 25 million exposing a widening gap as outbreaks intensify in neighbouring countries.
The Vice President challenged the institute to sharpen its strategy, diversify beyond FMD and position itself as a competitive global vaccine producer.
He underscored that protecting the national herd is about more than animal health it safeguards exports, rural livelihoods and overall economic stability.
