02 Aug 2016

Science, technology and innovation has potential to take Botswana to the next level of development, Minister of Infrastructure, Science and Technology, Mr Nonofo Molefhi has said.

He was addressing a press conference,  Monday,  to share with the media the lineup of activities planned for this year’s science, technology and innovation (STI) commemoration. 

As a demonstration of its visionary stance and commitment towards creating multiple sustainable avenues for economic diversification and advancement, government dedicated August as STI month.

The STI week was launched for the first time in Botswana in Kang in 2015. 

However, in realising that one week would be too short to leave impact and long-lasting memories, Minister Molefhi said his ministry decided to dedicate a month for STI commemoration. 

The concept of dedicating the whole month towards celebrating STI, Mr Molefhi said, emanated from realising that there was need to create general awareness on STI, improve uptake of Mathematics and Science at grassroots level, demystify science to the general public and create platforms towards stakeholders interactions and networking.

“We use STI in all spheres of our lives, but it is critical to understand that its foundation starts from early childhood, hence the need for my ministry to partner with Ministry of Education and Skills Development who are responsible for shaping the minds of our children, thereby influencing them on the type of careers they may follow later in their lives,” said Mr Molefhi.

Minister Molefhi said Botswana had made strides in the field of STI, which included establishment of a ministry responsible for science and technology.

Additionally, he said, the country also established the department of research, science and technology in 2005, set up organisations such as Botswana Innovation Hub, Botswana Institute of Technology Research and Innovation (BITRI), Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) and also developed new technologies, such as the Kalahari Sand Building Block.

Another major milestone, Mr Molefhi said was the adoption of the revised Research Science, Technology and Innovation (RSTI) Policy of 2011 and its implementation plan. 

The STI week will be commemorated in Palapye on August 15 under the theme: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics: Our Future Diamond.”ENDS