PRESS RELEASE: 25 March 2022

BDIH ATTRACTS A MULTI-MILLION PULA INVESTMENT TO THE SCIENCE & TECHONOLOGY PARK

Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in December 2021, between the Government of Botswana and NantWorks, the establishment of NantBotswana at the Botswana Digital & Innovation Hub Science & Technology Park (BDIH) will be marked by a ribbon cutting ceremony on the 28 March 2022 at 0830hrs. NantBotswana is a subsidiary company of NantWorks, founded by Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong.

The ribbon cutting ceremony shall be officiated by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Botswana, Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi.

The ceremony marks the beginning of NantBotswana vaccine manufacturing facility located at the Botswana Digital and Innovation Hub. NantBotswana will manufacture and produce vaccines of COVID-19, cancer treatment and next generation cell-based immunotherapy amongst others.

Mandated to attract innovative companies and institutions to set-up their businesses at the Botswana Digital & Innovation Hub’s Science and Technology Park, BDIH records NantBotswana as the latest addition of innovative and likeminded companies that contribute to the desired innovative and vibrant ecosystem.

The initiative of vaccine manufacturing serves to fulfill one of the aspects of the Government reset agenda whose purpose is to save Batswana from COVID-19 disease. Furthermore, this initiative shall contribute towards the efforts of transforming Botswana’s economy to a knowledge-based economy.- End-

About NantWorks
NantWorks LLC is an American conglomerate that was founded in 2007. NantWorks, LLC applies new innovative approaches and new technologies to solving global problems. NantWorks is the parent company of various private and public entities focusing on three pillars: health & life sciences; energy & renewables; and connectivity & communications.
Founded by Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, scientist and inventor of the first human nanoparticle chemotherapeutic agent Abraxane, the core mission for NantWorks is convergence: to develop and deliver a diverse range of technologies that accelerate innovation, broaden the scope of scientific discovery, enhance ground-breaking research, and improve healthcare treatment for those in need.

About Botswana Digital & Innovation Hub (BDIH)
Botswana Digital & Innovation Hub (BDIH) is a networked Organisation that promotes innovation and technology entrepreneurship. Its primary goal is to support the commercialisation of solutions developed by BDIH supported entities.
BDIH was established to contribute towards the diversification of the economy and transform Botswana towards a knowledge economy by:
• Supporting start-ups and existing companies to grow by providing innovation capacity building as well as access to funding and national technology transfer office services
• Creating linkages between different players in the national innovation ecosystem to identify and capitalize on collaboration opportunities
• Attracting like-minded, innovative and technology driven companies and institutions to establish their operations in the Park
• Managing and developing the Science and Technology Park to create a thriving innovation ecosystem
The Organisation has two subsidiaries namely Botswana Innovation Hub Properties (BIHP) and Botswana Innovation Hub Investments (BIHI). BIHP’s mandate is to develop and manage the Science and Technology Park and BIHI is a special purpose vehicle established to serve as the Hub’s investment arm. Its role is to attract, invest in and manage commercially viable and technology related investments.
For more information or interview opportunities, please contact:
Kemiso Ben
Brand & Communications Manager
Botswana Digital & Innovation Hub
Tel: +267 369 6413
Email: kemiso.ben@bih.co.bw