24 Nov 2019

The assistant Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology Mr Machana Shamukuni says government’s plan is to encourage the private sector to venture into the manufacturing of an electric car and all the associated parts. 

He told Parliament that government was also focused on building the necessary knowledge, interest and expertise that goes with the electric car, hence the decision to host the Smart Green Makeathon at the University of Botswana.

“It is also worth pointing out that as part of the exercise, the participants also worked on the concept of an electric car that is solar-powered. In this regard, we are seeking to ensure that technology that has been developed for the manufacturing of an electric car is adapted to our local context,” he said.

Mr Shamukuni said this would open up opportunities for researchers and innovators to contribute towards the adoption of the technology within the local context.

He explained that since an electric car was a common phenomenon in most developed countries, Botswana had already started the process of creating the necessary interest in the initiative even though a time frame for completion could not be put.

“This is principally because this is an initiative that will involve a lot of stakeholders and it shall be private sector driven,” he said. Mr Shamukuni’s was responding to Selebi Phikwe West MP Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse who had wanted to know if there were intentions by government to develop an electric car and other associated products and if so to elaborate on the plan and how it would be achieved including timelines. ENDS