8 November 2026
Botswana has manufactured its first batch of antiretroviral (ARV) medicines locally, marking a significant step towards strengthening medicine security and building domestic pharmaceutical production capacity.
The medicines were manufactured at Portfolio Pharmaceuticals Botswana in Phakalane following the successful transfer of technology from an international manufacturing partner. Local pharmacists, scientists and technicians have been trained to undertake production, testing and quality control.
Assistant Minister of Health Lawrence Ookeditse said local production would help address medicine supply shortages, reduce reliance on imports and create skilled employment opportunities for Batswana.
The company is working with the Botswana Medicines Regulatory Authority (BoMRA) to complete regulatory processes before the medicines can be supplied for use.
Ookeditse also challenged the company to expand production and explore opportunities to supply the wider African market.
Portfolio Pharmaceuticals plans to extend local manufacturing to other medicine portfolios, including treatments for chronic conditions, supporting economic diversification and the growth of Botswana’s pharmaceutical industry.
Source: BWgovernment
