Botswana Launches The Botswana Academy of Sciences

As the world commemorated the World Science Day for Peace and Development earlier this week, Botswana used the opportunity to launch the Botswana Academy of Sciences.  The think tank which was launched by the Minister of Infrastructure, Science and Technology, Hon. Nonofo Molefhi at Mmokolodi Nature Reserve on Tuesday 10^th November, 2015 will advise government on science, technology and innovation related matters.

Launching the academy Hon. Molefhi said, “Science issues tend to be complex, trends or developments in science and technology happen at a very fast pace. However, the legislative needs to translate this scientific knowledge into political choices, there is need for dialogue on many scientific fronts - as science can either be a tool or security threat, if not legislated properly.”

The founding chairperson of the academy, Professor Motsoptse Modisi said the establishment of the academy was a significant milestone in the construction and consumption of new ideas that illuminate the world around us. He said the launch of the academy was a celebration of the intellectual and practical activity that encompasses the systematic study of the structure and behaviour of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment.

The guest speaker at the launch was the president of the Academy of Science of South Africa, Professor Daya Reddy who shared his country’s experience in putting together a body of experts to advice government on science, technology and innovation matters. He said the Academy of Science of South Africa was inaugurated in 1996 by the former President Nelson Mandela who was also its patron until he passed on.

“The academy was formed in response to the need for an academy of science congruent with the dawn of democracy in South Africa – activist in its mission of using science for the benefit of society,” he said. He went on to say that evidence-based study project activities form the core of the academy’s function and are a key area of future development. 

The launch of the Botswana Academy of Sciences was the culmination of the commemoration of the World Science Day for Peace and Development. The day is a UNESCO initiative that was established in 2001 to demystify the sometimes complex nature of science, technology and innovation by presenting, “the broader public with an opportunity to demonstrate the relevance of science in their daily lives and a platform to engage them in debates on science related issues.”

The day is celebrated annually on the 10^th of November and this year’s theme was, “Science for a Sustainable Future: Celebrating the UNESCO Science Report,” in recognition of the release of the 2015 edition of the report.  Major activities and academic presentations of the day discouraged the use of science and technology for destruction of life such as the design and manufacture of weapons of war and other dangerous machinery and substances.

UNESCO recognizes that science, technology and innovation is essential for economic development and social progress. However, the awareness in science and technology is very low in developing countries making the importance of technology and innovation for catch up socio-economic growth and competitiveness essential for developing countries.

Speaking on occasion of the commemoration, director in the Ministry of Infrastructure Science and Technology, Tshepo Kebakile said, “The main purpose of the World Science Day for Peace and Development was to emphasise the role science and technology play in helping improve the lives of people.”   She said the aim of the commemoration is to ensure that citizens are kept informed of the development in science, while underscoring the role scientists play in broadening peoples understanding of their world knowledge economy as well as making societies sustainable.

It is widely recognized that access to new and appropriate knowledge and technologies promote steady improvements in living conditions, which can be lifesaving for the most vulnerable populations, and drive productivity gains which ensure rising income. Botswana has set up structural and strategic frameworks that build and support national capacity for research science, technology and innovation. This is demonstrated by the numerous institutions that have been established and the various policies that have been developed to aide sector development.  

In the aftermath of the Global Financial and Economic Crisis of 2008/09, and the declining allure of the country’s chief export mineral, diamonds, Botswana has been under mounting pressure to build innovation capacity that creates a vibrant science, technology and innovation ecosystem in an effort to diversify the economy, create jobs, and move the country towards a knowledge-based economy.

Botswana has set up structural and strategic frameworks that support research science, technology and innovation. Among the game-changing institutions that emerged out of this initiative has been Botswana Innovation Hub, Botswana Institute of Technology Research and Innovation (BITRI) and Botswana International University of Science & Technology (BIUST). These recently established entities add to the already existing University of Botswana (UB) and the soon to be University Botswana Collage of Agriculture (BCA).

To provide leadership in science, technology and innovation, the country had earlier on established a dedicated Ministry of Infrastructure, Science and Technology and in 2004 established the Department of Research Science and Technology (DRST) to provide an enabling policy and legislation environment and coordination of science, technology and innovation activities.

Following on the Botswana National Research Science and Technology Plan of 2005, the country recently re-established the Research, Science and Technology subsector within the High-Level Consultative Committee (HLCC). HLCC comprises policy making officials from government and captains of industry representing the private sector. The council seeks, “To consider and to resolve a wide range of issues which constrain the performance of the economy,” and the restoration of the HLCC’s Research, Science and Technology subsector gives issues related to research, science, technology and innovation the attention they deserve. 

In the reverberation of the Global Financial and Economic Crisis, the country developed the Botswana Revised Research Science, Technology and Innovation Policy of 2011. The policy calls for, “A systemic approach to research science, technology and innovation with clear vision, programmes, incentives, measures, roles, targets and monitoring indicators.”

The policy’s implementation plan advocates for the establishment of mechanisms and structures to coordinate linkages across sectors, set priorities and allocate funding for the policy as well as guidelines for specific programmes that can be adopted.

Cluster Development Director at Botswana Innovation Hub Dr Budzanani Tacheba believes that beyond advising government, the newly established academy of sciences will place impetus in recognizing scientists well beyond their academic acumen through key contributions to society and their own communities using science. “The fellows of the academy shall also collectively help further development of relevant science, technology and innovation policy documents to advise government through advisory bodies. As an advocacy body the fellows of the academy will have a new platform to openly critique science technology and innovation practices outside their work institutions,” he said.

"Sir, we are not done yet!" Tsheko Tells Youth, Sports and Culture Minister.

Emboldened by the resounding success of the launch of Di-Apps Mobile Application Store earlier this week, First Steps Venture Centre (FSVC) programme manager, Tshepo Tsheko made a bold pronouncement to Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Thapelo Olopeng, “Sir, we are not done yet! We have several other companies lined up and ready to fulfil your quest to produce young Batswana entrepreneur millionaires during your term of office.”

Tsheko was speaking on the fringes of the launch of the country’s first and only online application store, aptly named, Di-Apps Mobile Application Store. The digital distribution platform is a product of one of FSVC’s clients, Ditec Mobile.

The 100% citizen owned company designs, customizes and ultimately manufacturers mobile phones. Ditec Mobile offers a full range of hi-tech and durable mobiles with a wide appeal to people who appreciate the beauty and broad functionality of mobile phones,” states the company’s founder, Thatayaone Dichaba.

Ditec Mobile enrolled into the Botswana Innovation Hub’s technology entrepreneurship development programme, FSVC in January, 2014. The company was presented as candidate for the Ministers Young Entrepreneur Millionaire project at the launch of its Di-Apps Mobile Application Store at the Capitol Cinema at Game City mall in Gaborone.

The Youth, Sports and Culture Minister has vowed to produce at least five young entrepreneur millionaires during his term of office. Speaking at the launch, the Minister said, “It is high time Batswana showed confidence in young people and know that the big international brands we celebrate are given a push in their countries of origin.”

“Charity begins at home, these big brands are recognized by their economies, so why can’t we do the same for our brands? From today, I am becoming the brand ambassador for Ditec Mobile phones,” declared the Minister.  

Expounding on his pledge to the Minister, Thseko said, “Let’s face it, the odds are heavily stacked against early stage enterprise development. A significant percentage of new businesses fail and according to Bloomberg, nine out of ten startups will fail. This is a hard and bleak truth, but these cold statistics are not intended to discourage entrepreneurs, instead, they should encourage them to work harder and smarter.”

Tsheko explained that FSVC is the Botswana Innovation Hub’s hybrid incubator/accelerator that provides business and technology support services, strategic partnerships, tenancy and market access support to startup ventures.

He said with the caliber of clients they currently have in the programme, they can confidently meet and surpass the target for young entrepreneur millionaires that the Minister has set. He went on to say that it takes an inordinate amount of time, effort and other resources to graduate technology startups, but with the talent, passion and hunger for success that the FSVC clients demonstrate, he was certain they are the premier technology incubator and business accelerator in the region. “Our clients are very enterprising and are looking beyond our borders for markets. In fact most have already secured contracts abroad, and all we are asking for is recognition and support on the home front,” he said.

Tsheko said preparations are at an advanced stage for the launch of another locally based and globally focused startup. “World Queues is a 100% citizen owned company offering an innovative, time saving queue management service. The service allows customers to queue on line, by kiosk at entrances and by sms from their mobile phones,” he said.

The queue management service is already live in Kenya’s Coop Bank and Kenya Revenue Authority as well as the Department of Road Transport and Safety (DRTS) and First National Bank (FNB) in Botswana. “World Queues is another demonstration of the stellar work coming out of globally connected innovation ecosystem created by FSVC. We will be announcing the launch of this company in the next few weeks,” Tsheko said.

World Queues Managing Director, Justice Williams said they have been motivated by the Youth Ministers support and are looking forward to expanding their services to hospitals and clinics, and social services and amenities providers. “Our kiosks are being produced locally with a huge job creation spinoff and the revenue potential to the company and the country is enormous,” he said.

Williams said they are positioning World Queues as a Pan African brand and welcomed the support of the Youth Minister.   

   

Botswana Innovation Hub Presents Youth Minister, Hon. Thapelo Olopeng with a Candidate for His Young Millionare's Plan.

The Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Thapelo Olopeng recently made a bold and ambitious undertaking to ensure that young people do not only succeed in business but also vowed, “to produce at least five young entrepreneur millionaires during my tenure at the ministry.”  

Botswana Innovation Hub has been quick to pick up the gauntlet and present, one of its flagship technology entrepreneurship development programme, First Steps Venture Centre (FSVC) client, Ditec Mobile  as a candidate for the Minister’s youth empowerment plan.

FSVC currently houses 15 carefully selected technology ventures and provides business and a range of technology advisory services to a wider network of walk-in and remote clients. Ditec Mobile is a 100% citizen owned company that designs, customizes and ultimately manufacturer mobile phones. The company enrolled into FSVC in January, 2014 and will be launching their Di-Apps Mobile Application Store and products and services on Tuesday 6^th October, 2015 at the Capitol Cinema at Game City mall in Gaborone.

“Ditec Mobile offers a full range of exceptional mobiles with a wide appeal to people who appreciate the beauty and broad functionality of mobile phones,” declares the company’s founder, Thatayaone Dichaba.

He said their devices, including their foremost handset, Pioneer, is being promoted in over 10 African countries and that with the realization of the huge potential presented by the use of local content in mobile devices, they established Di-Apps Mobile Application Store. “The store will sell applications with local content and the application comes pre-installed in all our smartphones,” he says.

Dichaba says an increase usage of smartphones has brought with it endless possibilities and services that can be provided through smartphone technology. “Di-Apps, is a digital distribution platform and Botswana's first and only online application store. The platform will serve as the official app store for the Android operating system, allowing users to browse and download applications developed with the Android software development kit (SDK),” he says.

It is against this background that Ditec Mobile is introducing Di-Apps, to stimulate application development and usage of local content, to make it possible for Botswana’s creativity and technology to be availed to the world within this platform.

“This initiative carries a huge export and employment potential as our platform is currently being tested by 7 mobile operators in 5 countries. We are currently hosting over 10 local applications developed by Botswana companies such as Learn Setswana, Thanodi Translator, Learn Sekgalagadi, etc.”

Ditec Mobile is in dialogue with local mobile network operators being Be Mobile, Mascom, and Orange, to integrate their existing mobile money platforms into the applications, a move that once approved will enable users to buy applications using Mobile Money provided by their Operators or using Airtime. Dichabe is fully convinced that this will open more opportunities for both users and developers.

For his part, FSVC Manager, Tshepo Tsheko said Botswana Innovation Hub welcomes the minister’s pledge as it is in line with the company’s aim of contributing to the country’s economic development and competitiveness through the creation of new scientific, technological and indigenous knowledge-based business opportunities.  

“We are thrilled by the minister’s commitment to loosen up the tight breakthrough pathways into business by making it easier for young people to venture into business and allowing them to play an active role in the country’s economy,” he said.

Tsheko says it will be easy for Ditec Mobile to fulfill the minister’s goal. “Ditec Mobile phones are hi-tech and durable. A directive to all government departments, ministries and parastal’s to have the devices as standard issue for officers entitled to cellphones will guarantee a market and bolster the company’s profitability,” said a buoyant Tsheko.  

“As Botswana Innovation Hub, we are already supporting Ditec Mobile with a wide range of technology advisory services, business and technology support services, strategic partnership and tenancy and market access support,” he said.

With a guaranteed market, Ditec Mobile will be able to set up production plants in the country, create jobs and export a truly Botswana made high-tech mobile handset. Thsheko believes Ditec Mobile are the perfect candidate for Hon. Thapelo Olopeng’s young entrepreneur millionaires’ project.  

Innovation is happening here, come and join us….

The United Nations Thematic Think Piece that defines the Post 2015 global development agenda recognizes science, technology and innovation (STI) as essential in the promotion of sustainable and inclusive socio-economic development. The Post 2015 Development Agenda states that, “Access to new and appropriate technologies promote steady improvements in living conditions, which can be lifesaving for the most vulnerable populations, and drive productivity gains which ensure rising income.”

The emerging agenda states that innovation driven growth is no longer the prerogative of high income countries alone and observes that some developing countries have achieved significant economic growth through the creation and deployment of STI capacity.  However, this has not been the case for all countries, especially the least developed countries which require dedicated support to bolster their efforts to build STI capacity. The agenda emphasizes the importance of integrating STI into public policy goals, giving particular focus to the nexus between STI, culture, education and development.

The ongoing STI commemoration month initiated by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Science and Technology Ministers is a commitment to building innovation capacity that creates a vibrant science, technology and innovation ecosystem in the region. The Ministers observed that awareness in science and technology is very low in the region and acknowledged the importance of technology and innovation for catch up socio-economic growth and competitiveness. They resolved to make, “STI more participatory and inclusive so that there is public engagement in the scientific endeavor from the full spectrum of social actors, including women, young people and indigenous communities.”

In Botswana, the inaugural STI commemoration month is driven by the Ministry of Infrastructure, Science and Technology (MIST) and was launched by Hon. Nonofo Molefhi on 4^th August, 2015 in Gaborone. The ministry has partnered with the Department of Research, Science and Technology (DTRS), Botswana Institute for Technology, Research and Innovation (BITRI) and Botswana Innovation Hub to commemorate the STI Month with a series of activities lined up to build awareness and nurture interest in science, technology and innovation as well as encourage investment in research and development (R&D). 

STI are recognized as the vehicle which drives successful economies cross the world. However, it is estimated that developing countries expenditure in R&D accounts for less than 1% of GDP compared to 3% in developed countries. Locally, the revised Research Science Technology and Innovation Policy of 2011 supports an increase of 2% of the GDP in R&D investment. It is widely acknowledged that increased public awareness and private sector participation in science, technology and innovation provides an incentive for business enterprises and governments to invest in R&D.

Botswana Innovation Hub will host the Innovation Vendor Day and Exhibition on Tuesday 18^th August, 2015 at the Botswana Innovation Hub Science and Technology Park as part of the STI Month initiative. The Innovation Vendor Day is a technology and innovation exhibition that celebrates local innovations, builds awareness and promotes the uptake of local technologies by key users. The exhibition is intended to increase public awareness and private sector participation in science, technology and innovation by showcasing national innovations, especially those emanating from Botswana Innovation Hub registered companies and companies registered with the Botswana Innovation Hub’s technology entrepreneurship development programme, First Steps Venture Centre (FSVC). 

The daylong event comprises of exhibitions, panel discussions, pitch sessions and guided tours of the park for potential tenancy clients and those looking for land to develop. The panel discussion titled, “Are Botswana Innovations Fundable?” responds to prevailing concerns where local innovators struggle to secure funding from commercial banks and the absence of local Venture Capitalists, Private Equity Investors and Angel Investors.

By hosting the event at the Science and Technology Park, the Botswana Innovation Hub accords stakeholders the opportunity to appreciate progress on its development. The Science and Technology Park is strategically located on a 57 hector site, near the Sir Seretse Kham International Airport and adjacent to the Diamond Technology Park in Gaborone’s Special Economic Zone (SEZ) development node of Block 8 area. The Park is an ideal location for technology-driven and knowledge-intensive businesses to establish themselves, develop and compete in the region and global markets.

Construction of the parks Icon Building commenced in August 2014 and is scheduled to be completed in July 2016 in line to be commissioned as part of the country’s 50^th anniversary of Independence celebrations on 30th September, 2016. The parks construction is a major national project that represents a significant investment in the country’s infrastructure development. Its central buildings are a world class, iconic masterpiece of architecture whose designs won the 2013 Auto Desk Design Awards. 

With 24,000m² of commercial development space, the Icon Building will house both local and international innovative businesses and institutions thereby creating a network that fosters entrepreneurship, technology transfer, and innovation. On completion, the Science and Technology Park will offer high quality road infrastructure, street lightening as well as uninterrupted water, power and ICT connectivity. In addition to creating jobs, the Icon Building tenants will create other spin-off benefits that will spur economic growth. Prospective clients and the public will be able to appreciate progress on construction of the state-of-the-art buildings and facilities.

The Innovation Vendor Day will also accord Botswana Innovation Hub the opportunity to disseminate information on its innovation support programmes. The company currently has five innovation support programmes that foster entrepreneurship, enhance innovation capacity, create job opportunities, and contribute towards diversifying the economy and moving the country towards a knowledge-based economy. Programmes currently running are Microsoft Innovation Centre (MIC), Southern African Innovation Support Programme (SAiS), Technology Transfer Office, FSVC, Clean-Tech Centre and Cyber City Kgotla. These programmes are accessible to individual and institutional clients from the public and private sector and are aimed at fostering collaboration between academia, business and government in designated priority economic sectors.

The Innovation Vendor Day is a celebration of the very best home grown innovations that also promises to be an engaging and informative platform that builds awareness and nurtures interest in science, technology and innovation. Botswana Innovation Hub, the home of innovation welcomes the public to the inaugural Innovation Vendor Day. Innovation is happening here, come and join us……

 

A Formidable New Landmark for Gaborone in the Horizon

I love our city but let’s face it, when it comes to aesthetics, ambiance, functionality and quality of life, Gaborone falls short of the mark. As a national focal point of administration and commerce the city has not been appropriately planned to promote robust economic development required to compete in present day’s fierce global economic contest. Rapid urbanisation continues to put pressure on infrastructure that was designed to accommodate a smaller population. 

Gaborone has suffered the growing pains of a developing city but the city lacks character, poise and the sophistication found in the neighbouring capital cities of Pretoria, Harare, Lusaka and Windhoek. This scenario is exacerbated by the soaring cost of living and crime statistics, questionable school rankings, a diminished career and occupational outlook and persistent power and water cuts.

Proponents of Space Management state that space affects ones mood, well-being and productivity. Could Gaborone’s uninspiring social and economic spaces and infrastructure networks that do not adequately cater for the wellbeing of citizens and the aspirations of investors be the reason the country’s Gross National Happiness index and productivity levels are so low?

The latest World Happiness Report ranks Botswana 146^th happiest nation out of 156 countries in the world. The country is number 35 out of 44 countries ranked in Africa. On productivity, the country is ranked 74^th out of 144 economies by The Global Competitiveness Index of 2014 -2015.

Gaborone however is a resilient city. With a colourful rags to riches history, the city is fighting back to reclaim its past glory and position itself for the next phase of development towards the emerging knowledge-economy. Once the seat of government for one of the poorest countries in the world - with a GDP per capita of about US$70 per year in the late 1960s - the city has been in the driving seat of efforts that have seen Botswana transform itself into one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, now boasting a GDP (purchasing power parity) per capita of about $16,400 per year as of 2013. Its high gross national income (by some estimates the fourth-largest in Africa) gives the country a modest standard of living and the highest Human Development Index of continental Sub-Saharan Africa. 

One of the country’s strategies to address challenges of competitiveness, attract foreign direct investment, improve productivity, stimulate economic growth and create jobs, is to develop an innovation ecosystem that will move the country from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-based one. The creation of spaces that are conducive for business and use technology and communication to create more efficient agglomerations in terms of competitiveness, innovation, environment, energy, utilities, governance, and delivery of services to the citizen is embodied in Science and Technology Parks.

Science and Technology Parks are sources of entrepreneurship, talent, and economic competitiveness, and are key elements of the infrastructure supporting the growth of today's global knowledge economy. By providing a location in which government, research institutions and private companies cooperate and collaborate, Science and Technology Parks create environments that foster collaboration and innovation. They enhance development, skills transfer, commercialization of technology and advance knowledge.

Construction of Botswana’s first Science and Technology Park, Botswana Innovation Hub Science and Technology Park is set to change Gaborone’s skyline and boost the city’s rankings as a conducive business environment and desirable place to live. Construction of the park commenced on 11^st August, 2014 and is scheduled to be completed in June, 2016 in line to be commissioned as part of the country’s 50^th anniversary of Independence celebrations on 30^th September, 2016. The parks construction is a major national project that represents a significant 1 Billion Pula investment in the city’s infrastructure development.

The Botswana Innovation Hub Science and Technology Park is strategically located on a 57 hectare site, near the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport and adjacent to the Diamond Technology Park in Gaborone’s Special Economic Zone (SEZ) development node of Block 8 area. The park is an ideal location for technology-driven and knowledge-intensive businesses to establish themselves, develop and compete in regional and global markets.

The focal point of the Hub is to provide state-of-the-art buildings and facilities to attract domestic, regional and global companies to locate business as well as research and development activities within the park, and promote technology-based innovation and entrepreneurship. When the facilities in the park are fully developed, the Botswana Innovation Hub Science and Technology Park will consist of world class services including high quality road infrastructure, street lighting, telecommunications infrastructure with high capacity international connectivity and secured power and water, as well as professional business and technology transfer services. 

Its central icon buildings are a world class, iconic masterpiece of architecture designed by Shop Architecture of New York whose designs won the 2013 Auto Desk Design Awards. The building is regarded as one of Africa’s pioneering ‘green’ structures. According to the World Green Building Council, “Green building (also known as green construction or sustainable building) refer to a structure and using process that is environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building’s life cycle: from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition.” This requires close cooperation of the design team, the architects, the engineers, and the client at all project stages. The Green Building practice expands and complements the classical building design concerns of economy, utility, durability, and comfort. 

The Park offers prime real estate products and services. With 24,000m² of commercial development space, the icon buildings will accommodate investors and tenants within sectors of Biotechnology, Information Communication Technology (ICT), Energy and Environment, and Mining Technology sectors, as well as an Entrepreneurship Development Centre commonly known as an Incubation Centre.  The buildings offer flexible rental office and laboratory spaces ranging from 50m² 1000m² for rent.

The central icon building entails a multi-use development with shared amenities within a garden Hub concept and an International amphitheater meant to host significant international events. The building also provides modern high quality premises that are easily adaptable with plug and play shared facilities such as meeting, board and training rooms, restaurants, coffee shops, gyms and wellness centers, postal services, banking and ATM services, and many other complementary services that provide work, live and play type of environment within the Science and Technology Park. Included in the mix is unfurnished standard office space with electricity and data connections as well as services such as common area cleaning, maintenance, security, and administration within a secure business and networking environment.

For businesses that would like to put up their own buildings, the Botswana Innovation Hub Science and Technology Park offers land for long term lease or co-development with an additional 36 hectares for light industrial purposes.  The park has 40 plots of varying sizes available for lease. The plot sizes range from 3,000 – 16,000m² which can be consolidated or subdivided and the company provides plot development guidelines. 

Botswana Innovation Hub CEO Alan Boshwaen says, “In addition to developing superior, world class science and technology park buildings, Botswana Innovation Hub is involved in networking, advocacy and capacity building activities that support innovation.”  Boshwaen is confident that Gaborone’s new landmark is set to change the city’s ambiance and the dynamics and business culture by offering a unique platform for scientific, technological and indigenous knowledge-based innovations. 

 

 

 

 

Reflections of 2014

The end of one year and the beginning of a new one is a period of reflection and introspection. Financial Philosopher and ardent blogger Kent Thune says this period presents an opportunity to reflect on the performance of the previous year as well as set new targets for the ensuing year. Thune says, “Reflection is not just a ‘looking’ back, it is giving mindful attention to lessons learned from experience and applying them to future growth and well-being. It is a reinforcement, a looking inward, an introspective inquiry with oneself.” 

As the curtain closes on 2014, it is important that we reflect on the accomplishments and challenges faced by one of the country’s economic game changing ensemble, Botswana Innovation Hub. Botswana Innovation Hub was incorporated as a company under the laws of Botswana to establish and manage the country’s first Science and Technology Park through which the country will nurture creativity and innovation in technological developments as well as build capacity for economic diversification through technology transfer and adaptation.

That the company was conceptualised in 2008 at the height of the global economic recession when many government projects and programmes were either scrapped or deferred demonstrates the country’s strategic intent and the high prominence with which this initiative is held. Botswana Innovation Hub carries the national hopes and aspirations of transformation from a factor-driven economy to a technologically-driven and knowledge-based one.   

 The company is currently implementing its initial 2013 - 2016 strategy having developed an effective governance framework and operational processes and policies that reached sufficient levels of physical, institutional and human capital operations in 2012.

 Construction of the Botswana Innovation Hub Science and Technology Park commenced on 1^st August, 2014 and is scheduled to be completed on 30^th June, 2016 in line to be commissioned as part of the country’s 50^th anniversary of Independence celebrations on 30^th September, 2016. The parks construction is a major national project that represents a significant investment in the country’s infrastructure development. Its central buildings are a world class, iconic masterpiece of architecture whose designs won the 2013 Auto Desk Design Awards. 

 Speaking at the construction contract signing ceremony, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Science and Technology, Dikagiso Mokotedi said given the blight of recent failed national projects, the Botswana Innovation Hub project will test the country’s resolve to bounce back and complete projects of this magnitude on time and within budget. “Let me emphasise that this project will be subjected to stringent critical path analysis and management to ensure that project scheduling and resource planning do not in any way jeopardise the set cost, quality and completion date,” he said.

 Botswana Innovation Hub CEO Alan Boshwaen acknowledges the importance of delivering quality infrastructure on time. He goes further and takes a long term view, never missing the opportunity to emphasise that, Botswana Innovation Hub is not just about construction of a world class science and technology park but more about the key initiatives, projects and programmes that build capacity for economic diversification through technology transfer and adaptation. “In addition to developing superior, world class science and technology park buildings, Botswana Innovation Hub is involved in networking, advocacy and capacity building activities that support innovation,” he says.

 Boshwaen says Botswana Innovation Hub, which has hitherto been an Affiliate Member of the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) pending construction of the park was bestowed Full Membership status at the 31^st IASP World Conference held in Doha, Qatar on 21^st October, 2014. The upgrade came in recognition of commencement of construction of the park and the projects and programmes Botswana Innovation Hub is currently running.  

 IASP is the worldwide network of science parks and areas of innovation. It connects professionals managing science, technology and research parks and other areas of innovation and provides services that drive growth and effectiveness for its members. Its members enhance the competitiveness and entrepreneurship of their cities and regions, and contribute to global economic development through innovation, entrepreneurship and the transfer of knowledge and technology. IASP is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. It is a founding member of the World Alliance for Innovation (WAINOVA).

Among the initiatives, projects and programmes that foster entrepreneurship and technology transfer as well as build innovation capacity that are currently running at Botswana Innovation Hub is, First Steps Venture Centre (FSVC). FSVC is a technology entrepreneurship development programme that offers early-stage enterprise support through pre-incubation, incubation and acceleration services.

 FSVC currently has 15 registered clients who receive coaching and mentoring services with many more walk in clients seeking advice on different entrepreneurial development schemes. The programmes client companies have created 25 jobs since enrolling into the programme in January, 2014 and over 200 technology start-ups have received mentoring and advisory guidelines on their technology business ventures through enquires and pitch sessions. 

 One of the FSVC resident companies, Modisar Net (Pty) Ltd has recently won the grand prize of €25,000.00 for their submission of a software solution for livestock farm management called Modisar at the Orange Social Venture Prize 2014. The application enables farmers to manage their livestock, finances and have access to a community of farmers and expertise in the livestock management field.

 Botswana Innovation Hub established the Clean-Tech Centre in November, 2013 to support business development and research in the clean technologies sector of the economy. The Centre is currently testing a prototype for a housing unit in Khudumelapye in the Kweneng District. The objective of the project is to benefit local housing developments and adoption of technologies towards sustainable housing. This project is also linked to the Botswana Innovation Hub Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative as the prototype housing unit was donated to an economically challenged resident of Khudumelapye who was identified through the assistance of the Tribal Administration and Social Workers.

 Still in the Clean-Tech Centre, Botswana Innovation Hub has collaborated with BCL mine in Selibe Phikwe to develop key components of the mining technology supply chain incubator model. The partnership seeks to create a platform to leverage existing mining skills and expertise into new knowledge based entrepreneurial ventures. The business incubator is scheduled for implementation before end of the year.

In an effort to bridge the digital divide, boost the country’s digital economy and arrest and reverse the tide of youth unemployment, Botswana Innovation Hub has partnered with Microsoft Corporation and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture to launch the KitsoWorks initiatives. KitsoWorks is an initiative which provides a platform with a job search function, youth mentoring and social and professional networking features. The initiative connects young people around the world with opportunities for education, employment and entrepreneurship. The programme helps unemployed graduates gain the necessary skills for seamless integration into the emerging digital economy. To date more than 300 beneficiaries have been registered on the portal and more than 4000 have been reached though social media and online campaign. 

Botswana Innovation Hub is also running a pilot project of the TV White Space broadband access at Athlone Hospital and Tsopeng Clinic in Lobatse. The programme is due to be rolled out at Letsholathebe Hospital in Mau and Nyangagwe Hospital in Francistown before the end of the year. TV White Space is technology that uses free Dynamic TV Spectrum for access to broadband internet. Telemedicine services will be rolled out through this project. The project is expected to deliver specialised Telemedicine applications in partnership with local software developers and integrators to identified rural sites in the country. Botswana Innovation Hub is working with BOCRA to assist with regulating the technology.

Other initiatives, projects and programmes that took off this year include the establishment of the National Technology Transfer Office and the Local ICT Developer Community Office. The Southern Africa Innovation Support Programme (SAiS) continues to build capacity and promote collaboration between the innovation systems of Southern African countries. One of the major initiatives that have emerged from this programme is Spachee mobile money for banking the unbanked. Further work on the Clean-Tech renewable energy initiative includes the Solar Testing and Demonstration facility and the local biodisel production initiative.