14 Jul 2022

A collaboration between Botswana Digital and Innovation Hub (BDIH) and Business Botswana is set to develop innovative ideas that will connect the private sector with innovators.

That came after the two entities signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday to facilitate a connection between the private sector and the innovation eco-system to assist in solving nagging challenges.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Digital and Innovation Hub acting chief executive officer, Mr Tshepo Tsheko said some innovative ideas would be incubated through his company’s programmes and initiatives, some of which were already working with the business sector.

“From that the business community will be able to take up the ideas and develop them into tangible products and services, thus driving our mission of commercialising locally produced solutions,” he said.

Therefore, he said the link between the private sector and innovators could not be separated, adding that it was up to the two entities to ensure that the linkages were seamless.

Also, he said the collaboration between the two entities would also link opportunities to the business community on capabilities such as digitisation.

“We have skilful innovators that can help Business Botswana members to digitise their companies and compete even beyond the borders of this country,” he said.

Moreover, he said the collaboration would also contribute to the development of a capable state by building cyber security capability.

“Our part as Digital and Innovation Hub will be to assist Business Botswana to publicise and implement its private sector digitisation drive,” he said.

He said in mature and developed economies, linkages between the innovation and business sectors was strong since they spoke the same value change language.

“And as Botswana we need to adopt this approach and I strongly believe that through today’s Memorandum of Understanding signing, the approach can be solidified,” he said.

For his part, Business Botswana chief executive officer, Mr Norman Moleele said through the Memorandum of Understanding, they would facilitate Botswana Digital and Innovation Hub’s access to and contact with the Business Botswana membership and private sector, organisation and individual levels for collection of data and any other information as may be determined from time to time and agreed to by both parties.

“This agreement will also ensure that we extend relevant capacity-building initiatives organised by Business Botswana, its membership or partners to Botswana Digital and Innovation Hub to enhance knowledge and promote mainstreaming of business development issues in plans and strategies,” he added.

Mr Moleele further stated that areas of mutual interest for both entities would also include sharing of resources and embarking on a project to document various innovations, technologies, platforms as well as applications developed locally.

“We also aim to provide technical and professional support in capacity-building initiatives, undertake or attend relevant conferences, seminars and workshops related to the objective of the Memorandum of Understanding,” he said. BOPA