14 Jul 2021

Indian vaccine and medicine manufacturers have been invited to set up production facilities in  Botswana.

The invitation was extended by Vice President Slumber Tsogwanewho who said the move would guarantee supply of medicines, transfer of technologies and establishment of partnerships in research and development.

He was addressing the virtual 16th Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)-Exim Bank conclave on India-Africa project partnership on Tuesday.

Mr Tsogwane said Botswana provided a strategic location as a manufacturing base for southern African as well as the wider African market through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The vice president also invited Indian enterprises, research institutions as well as science and technology firms to consider institutionalised and practical cooperation towards assisting Botswana realise its high income economy agenda.

He said in addition to unmatched political and economic stability,  Botswana also offered a conducive environment for business.

“Members of the Confederation of Indian Industry are thus welcome to explore business partnerships including through our Botswana Investment and Trade Centre and Business Botswana,” said the vice president.

Mr Tsogwane said due to India’s success in globalising products and services, it was well suited to help Botswana with its economic diversification and global supply chains participation dreams.

Stating that Botswana continued to seek investment in the energy sector, he noted that the country had signed and ratified the International Solar Alliance, an initiative spearheaded by India.

“Botswana looks forward to partnerships and expertise of Indian companies in setting up solar plants for energy generation and investment in related industries which will help us fulfil our sustainable energy goals and address climate change,” he said.

Another advantage was existence of strong cooperation between  Botswana  and India  in sectors such as education, health, agriculture, ICT, trade and investment , diamond beneficiation and  capacity building, he said.

Botswana, the vice president said, desired to leverage on existing partnerships to support economic growth and an inclusive society.

“We consider ourselves fortunate to be endowed with a vibrant population of young, educated and trainable men and women. These young people are assets and have great potential to work in partnership with Indian enterprises across a broad spectrum of areas,” he said.

Mr Tsogwane stated that the meeting provided an important platform for discussing and achieving new partnerships between the two countries.

He said the forum’s theme, “Setting new milestones for India-Africa partnership”, was relevant because it was positioning countries to respond decisively to new opportunities and challenges, particularly in the context of  COVID-19.

Mr Tsogwane expressed Botswana’s gratitude to India for its generosity and spirit of solidarity in ensuring that Africa was not left behind in accessing COVID-19 vaccines. Ends