05 Sep 2021

 Technology usage resonates well with Botswana’s transformational agenda.

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, who was officiating at the Absa Hackathon and Incubation programme final awards ceremony in Gaborone on Friday, said the transformational agenda aspired to create a knowledge based economy.

He said the reset agenda also placed digitisation at the centre of the country’s development trajectory. 

The digital economy, the President said, was a path to fulfilling government promises that would change lives with the youth at the centre of the development.

While he appreciated that the gathering was to celebrate Absa Bank Botswana’s collaboration with talented young minds in the information and communication technology sector, Dr Masisi said it was encouraging for entities such as Absa to commit to supporting and promoting youth in the ICT sector.

“It is particularly commendable that your continued efforts are not urban-centred, and have thus targeted our local communities especially the youth,” he said. 

Dr Masisi was confident that Absa Hackathon and Incubation programme was another step in the right direction towards promoting active participation of the youth in the ICT sector.

He said the programme, which was implemented over the last several months, included a robust incubation component, therefore exposing young participants and finalists to industry experts and technology professionals from the Absa family.

Dr Masisi emphasised that the country had embarked on the journey to transform to a knowledge-based economy and therefore required to build the people’s capacity and enable them to thrive in a digital and data driven economy.

“The world is evolving and developing at an unprecedented rate and it is important that we prepare and adapt to the changes that come with it,” said Dr Masisi. 

He said for the country to achieve its digitisation strategy, digital inequalities that existed in the country must be addressed.

“This requires us to increase digital access and skills to the youth who are also our greatest asset and prepare them for the digital economy and thus, for the future,” he said.

Dr Masisi expressed confidence that 10 young innovators who had completed the Absa Hackathon and Incubation programme would use their knowledge and experience to form a foundation for their continued success.

Additionally, Dr Masisi encouraged other companies to emulate Absa in supporting government to drive digitisation.

Meanwhile, Absa board chairperson, Mr Neo Moroka was hopeful that the programme would be an inspiration to others to be more innovative and focus on the sustainable development of the community. 

Mr Moroka said the programme attached an important part of the bank’s strategy of becoming a digital led bank.

“As a financial institution, we remain dedicated to offering innovative and purposeful digital solutions. Our role in the society extends beyond selling products and services. We are partners in sustainable progress across the communities in which we operate. We will continue to play an active role in shaping our society,” said Mr Moroka.

In light of the ongoing challenge of unemployment, Mr Moroka said Absa remained committed to seeking innovative solutions that would contribute to identifying opportunities for young people.

He said through the Absa Hackathon and Incubation programme, young developers would be brought together to work on developing innovative solutions for challenges faced by the society.

He said the programme sought to be a holistic experience after which young people could improve their craft and build successful enterprises that would contribute to the social and economic development of the nation.

Mr Moroka added that the Absa Hackathon and Incubation programme was one of the efforts that the bank had embarked on to bring possibilities to life for young Batswana. 

“We believe that this collaboration will identify, upscale and facilitate skills transfer of young Batswana developers by providing them with access to market and training,” he said. Ends