There is need to localise production and strengthen supply chain resilience to transform the country’s economy from import dependent to manufacturing driven.

The Assistant Minister of Health, Mr Lawrence Ookeditse said this during a tour of Emerging and Prospective Health Manufacturing facilities, a project facilitated by SPEDU, in Selebi Phikwe on Wednesday.

 He said the visit was part of the government’s push under the Botswana Economic Transformation Plan Programme (BETP) to increase local production of goods.

He said the tour was also to gain a comprehensive understanding of the ministry’s objectives regarding direct procurement from producers; an initiative aimed at identifying producers who not only met rigorous standards of quality but also offered cost efficiency and reliability.

“By fostering these direct relationships, the ministry intends to stimulate and enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities,”said Mr Ookeditse.

He emphasised that the approach would play a crucial role in the ministry’s broader strategy aimed at reducing dependence on distributors and middlemen.

He said sourcing directly from producers, the ministry sought to streamline the supply chain, improve product availability and ultimately create a more resilient and self-sufficient manufacturing environment within the region.

“This strategic shift is expected to empower local industries and ensure sustainable access to essential medicines while reducing exposure to global shock,” he said.

Mr Ookeditse said building a competitive industrial landscape was about elevation and encouraging those willing to join the wagon band to be innovative and deliver up to satisfaction and expectation for better alignment with global competition.

“The idea is to empower locals. The government spends a lot in the health sector, and the procurement is done outside the country, so this is to encourage local manufacturers to grab the opportunity. We understand that manufacturing comes along with its challenges, but concrete measures should be considered,” he said.

Mr Ookeditse emphasised the importance of developing both long-term and short-term strategic partnerships to address challenges in the manufacturing sector.

For his part, Technical Advisor to SPEDU Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ronnie Phuthego, said some manufacturing companies were struggling to penetrate the market and the situation has over time, negatively impacted profit margins, making it difficult to service loans, pay rental bills, and attend to other business necessities. ENDS