05 Nov 2013

President Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama says to compete in today’s increasingly knowledge based global economy, it is necessary for the society to increase its innovative capacity through locally generated research and development.

In his State-of-the-Nation Address, President Khama said government continued to implement the Policy on Research, Science, Technology and Innovation through the establishment of relevant coordination and funding structures, including a national Research Fund.

He stated that following the rationalisation of the Botswana Technology Centre and the Rural Industries Promotions Company - a new research institute; Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation (BITRI) became operational in July 2013. It was expected to conduct needs based research and development in focused areas of national interest.

The President said an example was the Kalahari Sand Building Blocks, which had been patented and used in the cost effective construction of houses for destitute families in Khawa. He noted that the Botswana Innovation Hub (BIH) was now developing a 93 hectare dedicated Science and Technology Park that would create new scientific, technological, and indigenous knowledge based business opportunities.

The construction of the central buildings had commenced with completion expected in March 2016. President Khama said simultaneously, BIH had engaged with private sector partners to invest and develop other sites within the Park that were aligned to the theme. So far 17 companies and organizations have registered to ultimately operate in the Park. ENDS