19 Apr 2016

Botswana Innovation Hub’s (BIH) road show message in Maun over the weekend got some young people interested and they submitted their business ideas.

In an interview with BIH’s public and communications officer, Mr Kagiso Mathame said the road show was meant to sensitise the public about the organisation and the Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA) to be hosted by Botswana for the first time in June.

The road shows, held throughout the the country, will allow a selected number of people from respective districts to witness the IPA awards and also network and appreciate the type of ideas likely to win.

He said since the 2016 nominations have been finalised, submissions could only be made for the IPA awards.

The PRO said innovation was about entrepreneurship and technology that provide solutions for challenges faced by Africa and local communities; hence it needs a creative mind and execution.

He observed that there was talent in rural areas with innovative ideas, particularly as it pertains to young people, who should take pursue innovative projects to make a living.

Botswana Innovation Hub programme director, Mr Buzanani Tachela said Botswana was selected among four other African countries to host the Innovation Prize for Africa 2016.

Mr Tachela encouraged the Maun community to participate in the competitions, adding that innovation was about making projects with cheap materials such as natural resources.

He also encouraged the youth to promote or develop traditional products such as medicine and basket weaving, and raise their level to international standards.

Ms Naledi Magowe of M Agri, a company that connects farmers through any type of telephone, said it was gratifying that their project was selected for the finals of the IPA 2016 award competition.

Ms Magowe said their organisation has linked about 70 000 farmers so far through their mobile shop. She urged other young people to make use of services provided to develop their ideas.

Ms Jame Ntesang of Modisar, an app which offers news alerts and adverts to farmers, said Botswana Innovation Hub helped her with technical advice and the facility to execute her business to achieve her dream. ENDS