A Different Kind of Regulator
August 17, 2026Voice of Principle
August 17, 2026
“What happens when the health of cattle determines whether millions of families eat or go hungry? For many, that’s a distant problem. For me, it’s the reality I wake up to every morning.”
Andrew Madeswi, CEO of the Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI), doesn’t speak about vaccines as products. He speaks about them as lifelines — for farmers, for communities, and for nations that rely on healthy livestock to survive and to trade.
For decades, Botswana has been known for its diamonds. But Madeswi believes another resource holds the key to Africa’s future: resilience. “When animals fall sick, the economy trembles. When we protect livestock, we protect people. We protect trade. We protect hope.”
The Big Idea: Diversification for Survival
BVI has long been recognized for its world-class Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccines. But Madeswi is asking a bigger question: What if Africa’s next crisis comes from a disease we’re not prepared for?
That’s why under his leadership, the BVI launched the ‘Four for Forty’ initiative — a bold plan to ensure that new vaccines will soon make up 40% of BVI’s revenue. Today, non-FMD products account for 10%. Tomorrow, he wants them to shape the future of the continent’s food security.
“This isn’t just about one product line. It’s about freeing ourselves from dependency and building a system that can stand against the unknown.”
One of BVI’s most ambitious projects, under Madeswi’s leadership is the creation of Africa’s largest Antigen Bank — a reserve of vaccine materials that can be deployed quickly in emergencies. He frames it simply: “Preparation is cheaper than panic. When a crisis strikes, every day lost is livelihoods destroyed. The Antigen Bank means we will not be caught unprepared.”
This vision aligns with the One Health framework — the understanding that animal, human, and environmental health are inseparable. “COVID-19 reminded us that the next big threat could start in animals and end in humans. If we stop diseases in livestock, we may be preventing the next human pandemic.”
People First, Always
Madeswi’s leadership philosophy is clear: resilience begins with people. During BVI’s restructuring, he insisted on wide consultation, minimizing disruption, and investing in skills. “A strategy is only as strong as the people carrying it. Our scientists, our technicians, our young graduates — they are the real vaccine bank.”
The Call to Imagination
Standing on stage, Madeswi doesn’t speak only to Botswana. He speaks to Africa, and to the world.
“When we protect our animals, we protect our people. And when Botswana pioneers innovation in animal health, we are not just safeguarding a nation. We are pioneering tomorrow. Because where there is a will, there is always a way.”