Botswana Vaccine Institute announced board amid regional Foot-and-Mouth Disease response

GABORONE — The Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI), a government-owned centre of excellence in veterinary vaccine research and manufacture, has announced a newly constituted Board of Directors, led by Ikanyeng Segonetso as Chairman, marking a renewed focus on strategic oversight and international competitiveness.

The board brings together diverse expertise spanning science, finance, law, international business and human capital.

Alongside Chairman Segonetso, membership includes government and industry leaders such as veterinary expert Dr Kefentse Motshegwa, seasoned business professionals such as Mr Bennett Maifala and Ms Gaolaolwe Dikabelo, legal advisor Ms Mpho Gabegwe, and specialist directors including Mr Pascale Hudelet, Mr Sylvester Tshomane, and Dr Kagiso Habangana. 

Their collective experience is expected to strengthen governance, accelerate sustainable growth and drive BVI’s strategic vision to be a global centre of excellence in animal health and infectious disease control. 

Chief Executive Officer Andrew Madeswi welcomed the board’s appointment, stating that its diverse skill set will be pivotal as BVI expands its product range and enhances compliance with international standards, reinforcing Botswana’s regional role in livestock disease prevention and vaccine exports. 

Regional Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) response

In addition to the new appointments, BVI has intensified its efforts to address the ongoing FMD outbreak affecting the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, underscoring its importance as a regional animal health hub. 

On 17 February 2026, Vice President and Minister of Finance Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe toured the BVI facilities in Gaborone, commending the institute’s pioneering work in vaccine production, research and disease control. 

During the visit, Mr Gaolathe reaffirmed the government’s commitment to capacitating and resourcing BVI to become a vaccine-producing powerhouse, highlighting the institute’s critical role in safeguarding markets and contributing to national food security. 

He noted the government’s support is aimed at expanding production capacity and sustaining Botswana’s leadership in veterinary science and innovation.

The tour comes amid escalating regional demand for vaccines to curb FMD transmission, with BVI actively supporting SADC member states through vaccine supply and strategic partnership efforts. 

The institution has stressed its long-standing commitment to regional animal health resilience, strengthened collaborations and strategic response mechanisms, particularly for transboundary animal diseases. 

BVI’s ongoing work highlights both its technical leadership in vaccine manufacturing and its strategic value in regional public-animal health preparedness. 

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