12 Nov 2025

Botswana and India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the health space in response to the current medical supplies shortage in the country. 

This was revealed by President Advocate Duma Boko on November 12 at the official talks with India President, Ms Droupadi Murmu, who is in Botswana on a three-day state visit.

“India is one of the foremost manufacturers of pharmaceutical products, especially generic drugs, thus, we will strengthen the relationship and converge in many areas of mutual interest,” President Boko said.

The President said Botswana was thankful for the two countries’ cooperation, particularly in the health sector as cemented by the signing of the MoU, which would, among others, facilitate Botswana’s access to affordable and quality medicines.

“We are confident that the agreement would be able to address some of the crises currently bedevilling our health system,” he added.

He therefore, commended India for the visit, citing that it afforded Botswana the opportunity to reaffirm its appreciation to India for the support in many aspects.

He noted that Botswana would continue to consolidate its stand as a democratic country and, in so doing, draw inspiration from India as it held the global acclaim as the mother of democracy.

“There are obviously differences between the two countries in terms of population size, the economy and other factors, but despite the differences, both countries share a belief in democratic principles, which serves as a strong bond that unites the two countries in terms of values and inspiration as well as approaches to governance,” the President said.

In light of the prevailing economic situation, President Boko said Botswana would further strengthen its bilateral relations with India, hence the visit was timely in the history of the two countries’ relations.

He thus said Botswana was keen to work with India to strengthen initiatives geared towards the transformation of the country’s economy and its revival as articulated in the Economic Transformation Programme.

President Boko also commended President Murmu for her country’s long-standing relationship with Botswana in areas such as health, education, military cooperation and trade.

“I am aware that Madam President has for a long time been at the forefront of advocacy for the upliftment of people on the downside of society and has participated personally throughout as an activist in education, gender affairs, social upliftment, cultural and language promotion,” he said.

He further commended the Indian government for the contribution it had made for the enhancement of skills locally, as Botswana was host to a huge Indian community with many Batswana now being of Indian origin.

“We have many of Indian origin who operate businesses locally and hence contribute immensely to Botswana’s economic landscape and sustainability,” he said. President Boko said in the spirit of shared environmental goals to promote biodiversity, Botswana donated eight cheetahs to assist in the regeneration of the species in India.

That, he said, was done owing to Botswana’s diligence in the conservation space.

Similarly, President Murmu indicated that the visit marked a significant milestone for the bilateral relations between the two countries, as India held the relations highly and was keen on nurturing them at all times.

President Murmu commended Botswana for its commitment to democratic principles and respect for the rule of law, as well as its role in the SADC region, which all contributed toward the country's stable economic growth in the past years.

She reaffirmed India’s commitment to build on the already established relationship to partner with Botswana in developmental projects identified by the Botswana government. ENDS