20 May 2014

Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BUIST) will work with all stakeholders to enhance information, communication and technology (ICT) research to bring about sustainable development, says vice chancellor, Professor Hillary Inyang.  

Professor Inyang also said the university had made recommendations to the government to support liberalisation and to bring technical experts to teach the youth in Botswana about ICT.

“We will work with all stakeholders to support advanced research in ICT, broadband, energy and other sectors. We plan to establish technology extension centres in every district in Botswana, and the first three will be launched in November 15 in Selebi Phikwe,” he said.

He also said they had set up a fellowship programme aimed at enticing all students who were sponsored by the government to study overseas and to come back home and contribute to the country’s development.

Professor Inyang said ICT plays a pivotal role in sustainable development which encompasses four components of economic development, environmental management, social equity and population management.

He added that the development of communication systems was vital for sustainable development. He further commended Botswana for doing well in good governance and development.

“We have to work hard to assist government to diversify the economy from minerals. Smaller countries like Singapore and Mauritius have done well because they were innovative,” he said.

Professor Inyang added that Botswana must have content, infrastructure and broadband to increase the scope of communication beyond just making telephone calls. He urged Botswana to use ICT to boost the agriculture sector by monitoring climate change and harnessing crop production.

“We must improve energy and ICT to support the use of solar power in remote areas where there is agriculture production,” he said. Ends