Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that will facilitate deeper bilateral cooperation in the field of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT).

A press release from Botswana Government Communication and Information System (BGCIS), the agreement was signed at Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and communications in Tokyo on July 19.

The release states that the instrument provides for establishment of a joint task force between the two countries to facilitate Botswana’s technical transition from analogue to digital broadcasting.

The task force is now expected to convene its first meeting in Gaborone at the end of the month.

The MoU further provides for Japanese assistance to Botswana through technology transfer and human resource development to Broadcasting Services.

This, the release says, will involve collaboration with additional Japanese institutions such as the Association of Radio Industries Businesses, NHK and other Japanese broadcasters, and the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Such assistance will be directed to the development of DTT in Botswana as a platform for e-Government, including e-Education, health and disaster management.

Further, the release states that the MoU also creates a framework for the facilitation of investment by Japanese ICT and associated industries in Botswana, including the encouragement of joint ventures.

The two countries have further agreed to cooperate in the exchange of programming and programme development.

In their discussions, the release says, the two ministers further confirmed Japan’s participation in the launch of Botswana Digital Broadcasting, which is to take place at the end of this month.

During their extended meeting, the Japanese minister also demonstrated to Mr Masisi and his delegation the latest Japanese Super Vision technology in 4K and 8K High Definition, which has great potential for e-industry and medicine, as well as entertainment applications.

However, the currently available HD broadcasting involves pictures at just over two million pixels, 4K and 8K resolutions are above eight million and 33 million pixels respectively. END