17 Oct 2023

Space science technology plays an increasingly significant role in advancing nations.Botswana is participating in this exciting frontier in its endeavour to create better future for its citizens. 

To discuss the potential impact of space-related endeavours, BOPA sat down with Ms Basuti Bolo, a multi award-winning space scientist, mentor, and founder of GoToSpace, whose dedication is to propel Botswana’s presence in the global space community.

The interview explores space science, technology, transformative potential for Botswana and Africa.

Ms Bolo said space science was vital for Botswana to attain sustainable development goals; citing areas of natural resource management, agriculture, quality education, clean water and energy, and the development of sustainable cities and communities.

 “Space science and technology can be a powerful tool for Botswana to achieve her sustainable development goals,” she said.

On enhancing agriculture, she said space farming was possible and could be introduced to transform agriculture, enhance productivity and increase farmer’s income and reduce poverty in the long run.

She said this could be attained through a concept of “space breeding system known also as space mutagenesis,” which involved storing seeds in microgravity or spaceships before planting, resulting in crop varieties resistant to drought, climate change, and diseases.

On natural resource management she said, “Earth observation satellites could provide real-time images of the entire country to aid in monitoring and management of natural resources such as minerals, water, land and air,” adding that such technology may also be used to assist evaluate land quality.

She said because climate change was a global challenge, affecting the environment and the society, satellite technologies were better placed to monitor and forecast climate change.

 She said such technologies was vital in identifying causes of climate change, monitoring greenhouse gases and managing pollution.

To promote space science, she said, there was need to build proper foundation, hence called for more women and girls to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, adding that for the girl-child to succeed there was a need for mentorship to empower young women in STEM to help them become bold leaders.

She called for STEM fairs which engaged community in projects and experiments, so to make learning enjoyable. 

She said teachers must be empowered too with latest educational technologies for them to provide constructive learning experience to students.

Ms Bolo said Botswana’s educational institutions should introduce space science-related technologies into their curriculum so to infuse the concept into the students’ learning.

She underscored the importance of empowering students with the latest technology and aligning education with 21st century and the 5th industrial revolution.

On navigating associated legal and policy aspects of space science, Ms Bolo recommended that Botswana actively participate in regional and international projects and initiatives.

 “Botswana should consistently be part of the drivers of space science and technology by participating in projects that involve space regionally and internationally,” she said.

She said by actively participating in the global space community and harnessing the power of space technology, Botswana could address pressing challenges and pave way for a brighter and more sustainable future.

Such active participation, she said, offered Botswana with numerous benefits; in economic growth, job creation, and advancements in sectors, such as telehealth, telecommunications, and disaster response.

“Botswana should foster collaborations and partnerships with other African nations and international organizations to advance its space-related endeavors,” Bolo said.

She believes that joint projects related to trans-boundary issues, climate change, water resources, air pollution and more can reduce costs and promote knowledge sharing.

She said collaborating with advanced institutions globally would help Botswana build its capabilities in space science and technology and tap into its abound opportunities. ENDS