Tag: Partnerships

Botswana Vaccine InstituteNewsPartnerships
Animal Health, Partnerships BVI Communications

BVI & BIAH Strengthen Strategic Partnership – A Bold Step Toward a Sustainable Future in Animal Health

We’re excited to share a significant milestone in Botswana’s journey toward sustainable animal health and agricultural excellence.

Since its inception in 1978, the Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI) has stood at the forefront of livestock health, playing a critical role in the control of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and contributing to the country’s renowned beef export industry.

On 31st January 2025, BVI officially renewed its strategic partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health (BIAH), a collaboration that began during the 1978 FMD outbreak and was first established with MERIAL, a company later acquired by BIAH.

During the signing ceremony, Acting Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Dr. Edwin Dikoloti, stated:

“This collaboration has transformed BVI into a world-class laboratory, producing a range of vaccines using cutting-edge technologies and meeting rigorous international standards.”

Key Benefits of the Renewed Partnership:

  • Product Diversification: Enhancing BVI’s portfolio for sustainable growth.
  • Regional Expansion: Strengthening Botswana’s position in the global animal health landscape.
  • Innovation Hub: Establishing a state-of-the-art Research & Development Centre.
  • Skills Transfer: Empowering local professionals through knowledge exchange and capacity building.

This renewed commitment not only deepens the collaboration between BVI and BIAH but also reflects a shared vision for innovation, resilience, and long-term economic empowerment.

As we move forward, this partnership promises to elevate Botswana’s leadership in animal health and biotechnology across the region and beyond.

Together, we are building a healthier, more sustainable future for livestock and for the nation.

Industry News, Partnerships BVI Communications

BVI and BAMB Seal Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Agriculture and Livestock Sectors

Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI) and Botswana Agricultural Marketing Board (BAMB) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking the start of a transformative partnership aimed at boosting Botswana’s agriculture and livestock industries.

The collaboration will focus on key areas such as local vaccine manufacturing, joint research, market development, and the sourcing and distribution of veterinary products. Leveraging BAMB’s extensive retail network and BVI’s expertise in animal health, the partnership seeks to improve access to critical veterinary supplies, support local farmers, and enhance food security.

BVI CEO Andrew Madeswi highlighted the importance of collaboration in strengthening agricultural capacity, while BAMB CEO Pontsho Montle emphasized the potential to improve the resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability of the sector. The alliance is set to drive innovation, unlock economic opportunities, and promote livestock welfare across Botswana and the region.

Both institutions view this partnership as a major step towards creating shared value, promoting animal health, and contributing to the country’s sustainable economic growth.

Nozipho Ramokgalo  |  Chief Finance Officer

Nozipho Ramokgalo is a highly skilled Chief Financial Officer with extensive experience in financial management and strategic leadership. A Fellow Certified Chartered Accountant (FCCA) and member of the Botswana Institute of Chartered Accountants, she holds an MBA from the University of Derby (UK) and a Certificate of Proficiency in Short-Term Insurance from Botswana Accountancy College.

With a career spanning diverse industries including insurance, energy, aviation, and manufacturing, Nozipho has consistently delivered financial strategies that drive business growth and profitability. Her expertise in financial administration, strategic planning, and operations management has been instrumental in optimizing financial performance and shaping long-term organizational strategies.

Mpho Gabegwe   |    Legal Counsel & Board Secretary

Mrs. Mpho Gabegwe is an experienced Corporate Secretary and Legal Counsel with over 18 years of expertise in legal affairs and corporate governance. She currently ensures the robustness of the Botswana Vaccine Institute’s governance framework, guiding its strategic direction and compliance.

Mpho holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Botswana and a Master of Laws (LLM) from Stellenbosch University, specializing in Intellectual Property Law, Competition Law, International Business Transactions, and Legal Aspects of World and Regional Trade.

Before joining BVI, Mpho was the founding Board Secretary and Legal Counsel at the National Arts Council of Botswana. She also served as the founding Secretary to the University Council at the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN). Additionally, Mpho has significant experience as a senior litigating attorney at the Civil Litigation Division of the Attorney General’s Office, further strengthening her corporate governance expertise.

Morati Pusumane  |   Chief Operations Officer

Ms Morati Pusumane is a dynamic and results-driven transformational leader, overseeing operations with a focus on operational excellence and sustainable growth.

She holds a Master’s in Project Management from the University of Botswana and a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from Concordia University, Canada. With over 16 years of experience in engineering, manufacturing development, and project management, she has honed her leadership skills and business acumen through programs at ABI University and Botswana Accountancy College, as well as international exposure, such as the 8th Annual Manufacturing Excellence Conference in Singapore.

Her expertise in the Manufacturing Industry spans automotive, FMCG, and pharmaceuticals, where she has excelled in leading cross-functional teams, strategy development, and process optimization.

For over a decade she has held senior leadership roles at Kgalagadi Breweries, including Manufacturing Development Manager, VPO Manager, Packaging Manager and an Executive position as Acting Plant Manager, overseeing KBL operations.

Dr Mokganedi Mokopasetso  |  Chief Commercial Officer

Dr. Mokganedi Mokopasetso is a renowned veterinary epidemiologist with over 25 years of experience in the control and management of Transboundary Animal Diseases (TADs). He holds a Bachelor’s in Veterinary Medicine from University College Dublin, Ireland, and a Master’s in Tropical Animal Health (Epidemiology) from the Prince Leopold Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Mokopasetso has held key roles, including Head of the Epidemiology Unit at Botswana's Department of Veterinary Services, National Project Officer for UN-FAO’s Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) in Southern Africa, and Chief Veterinary Officer at the Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI).

He has contributed to various technical committees at national, regional, and international levels, significantly impacting animal health policy. A prolific researcher, Dr. Mokopasetso has published numerous peer-reviewed articles and presented at major international conferences, solidifying his status as a global expert in veterinary epidemiology.

Kgomotso Mantu   |   Head of Information Communication & Technology

Mr Kgomotso Mantu is a skilled IT professional with over 15 years of experience leading transformative technology initiatives. His career has seen him demonstrate strong leadership, driving high-performing teams and implementing innovative IT solutions across various industries.

Kgomotso has made significant contributions to organizations such as the Department of Surveys and Mapping (DSM) and CEDA, where he played a crucial role in modernizing IT infrastructure and introducing cutting-edge technologies.

He holds a Master’s in Project Management and completed the Management Development Programme at the University of Stellenbosch Business School. Kgomotso’s leadership has been widely recognized, earning him a spot as one of the Top 200 CIOs at the World 200 CIO Forum in 2021, 2023, and 2024.

Dr Keabetswe Moagabo  |  Head of Quality Management

Dr. Keabetswe Moagabo is an accomplished veterinarian with a Master’s in Control of Animal Diseases from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), London, and a Bachelor’s in Veterinary Medicine from University College Dublin. He specializes in animal disease management, diagnostics, and quality assurance.

Beginning his career in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory, Dr. Keabetswe gained expertise in disease identification and management. He later moved to a vaccine quality control laboratory, ensuring the safety, efficacy, and compliance of veterinary vaccines with regulatory standards.

As Head of Quality Management Systems, Dr. Keabetswe leads initiatives to enhance laboratory practices, ensuring adherence to international standards such as ISO/IEC 17025 and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). His leadership emphasizes staff training, process optimization, and continuous quality improvement.

A dedicated member of the Botswana Veterinary Council, playing a key role in advancing veterinary health and diagnostics, upholding the highest standards in public health and safety.

Julia Batlhoki  |  Head of Human Capital & Culture

A seasoned strategic leader with over 20 years of experience in human capital and organizational development, Julia has pioneered talent management frameworks, automated HR processes, and led culture alignment efforts across both public and private sectors. She has successfully transformed human capital strategies into impactful results.

Julia has held key roles at the Directorate of Public Service Management (DPSM), Botswana Export and Development Investment Agency (BEDIA), Botswana Fibre Networks (BoFiNet), Botswana Oil Limited (BOL), and Deloitte. Her expertise in change management, talent management, and employee relations has been instrumental in driving productivity and performance improvements.

Julia holds a Master’s in Strategic Management, a Postgraduate Diploma in Management, a Certificate in Management Services, and a Bachelor’s in Public Administration. Her strong academic background, combined with extensive hands-on experience, enables her to deliver innovative, people-focused strategies that drive growth, enhance performance, and create sustainable organizational success.

Dr Mmolotsi Dikolobe   |   Chief Veterinary Officer

An experienced veterinarian with a distinguished career spanning field services, commercial veterinary operations, and wildlife management. Holding a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of the West Indies and a Master of Science in Livestock and Wildlife Management from the University of Glasgow, he has made significant contributions to Botswana’s veterinary sector.

He has served as a field veterinarian and head of the Jwaneng/Mabutsane sub-district with the Department of Veterinary Services, managing essential veterinary operations. As Principal Wildlife Veterinarian at the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, he played a key role in coordinating large-scale national animal translocation projects. Additionally, in his role as Manager of Veterinary Services at the Botswana Agricultural Marketing Board, he oversaw the veterinary distribution center and 38 sales outlets, ensuring effective service delivery nationwide.

Andrew Madeswi   |   Chief Executive Officer

A seasoned and transformative leader with over 20 years of experience in financial services, business development, and the animal health industry, Andrew drives the production and distribution of essential animal health vaccines across more than 20 countries in Africa.
Andrew is an expert in driving organizational growth through innovative and sustainable business strategies. His strong corporate governance expertise is demonstrated through his role as Lead Independent Director and Chair of the Human Resource Committee at Norsad Capital, an impact investment firm with over $500 million invested in Africa.
Prior to his role at BVI, Andrew served as Chief Operations Officer at CEDA and held senior leadership positions at Barclays Bank Botswana and Stanbic Bank. He holds an MBA, a Bachelor of Business Administration, and has completed an Executive Development Program at the University of Cape Town.

Agnes Phuthego  |  Head, Internal Audit & Risk

Ms. Agnes Phuthego holds a Bachelor’s in Accounting from the University of Botswana and is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA). She is also a Certified Internal Auditor and a Fellow member of the Botswana Institute of Certified Accountants.

With expertise in governance, risk management, fraud investigation, and internal audit, she plays a key role in strengthening the Institute’s governance processes. Leading the Internal Audit & Risk function, she ensures the Board and Management receive valuable, independent insights and assurance. Ms. Phuthego also oversees the Institute’s Enterprise-wide Risk Management (ERM) processes, supporting its strategic goals and risk maturity.

She has also contributed her expertise as a co-opted member of the Audit Committee at the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources.